]

Dear Neighbor,

This year, we celebrated the 250th anniversary of American independence. It was heartwarming to see Americans across our nation gathering with friends and family to celebrate with hamburgers, hot dogs, potato salad, and the great traditions that bring us together.

It is truly remarkable that, two and a half centuries later, the vision and wisdom of our
Founding Fathers continue to endure. While many nations have risen and fallen throughout history, the United States has remained strong because our Republic was
built on the principles declared in 1776 and secured by our Constitution and Bill of
Rights. Despite the challenges we have faced, America has continued to grow and lead
the world through innovation, industry, research, technology, and the determination of
the American people. Our nation remains a beacon of freedom and opportunity for
generations to come.

As your representative, I remain committed to ensuring that no veteran is left behind
and that every man and woman who served our nation receives the care, benefits, and
services they have earned through their sacrifice. The Department of Veterans Affairs is
a large and complex system that requires constant oversight to ensure it delivers the
level of service our veterans deserve.

That is why I need your continued feedback. Your experiences help me understand
where the system is working, where improvements are needed, and how I can work
alongside my colleagues, the Department of Veterans Affairs, and other federal
agencies to better serve the veterans of Florida's Third Congressional District. Together,
we can continue working to ensure that those who answered our nation's call receive
the respect, care, and benefits they have earned.

For the Republic,

Congresswoman Kat Cammack                                                                                Proudly Serving Florida's Third Congressional District

VA Accredited Representation

I remain concerned about individuals providing VA claims services who have not been properly trained or accredited by the Department of Veterans Affairs. While some unaccredited individuals mean well, others operate primarily for their own financial gain. Our priority is ensuring that veterans receive the full amount of compensation to which they are entitled through their VA claim or appeal.

Federal law and VA regulations exist to protect veterans in this process. VA-accredited attorneys and claims agents are permitted to charge fees only within guidelines established by federal law and VA regulations. Before selecting a Veterans Service Officer, claims agent, or attorney, I encourage every veteran to make an informed decision and verify that the individual is properly accredited.

Verify an accredited representative through the VA Office of General Counsel Accreditation Search at: www.va.gov/ogc/apps/accreditation/index.asp

VA Beneficiary Travel Reimbursement

Eligible veterans and caregivers may submit travel reimbursement claims for travel to and from approved VA health care appointments. These claims may include mileage reimbursement and certain other authorized travel expenses. We encourage veterans to discuss their eligibility for this benefit with staff at the VA clinic where they receive care.

The VA has established the Beneficiary Travel Self Service System (BTSSS), an online portal that allows veterans to submit travel reimbursement claims while attending their appointments. Not every veteran is able to submit a claim electronically at the clinic. In many cases, clinic staff can assist by filing and submitting the travel claim before the veteran leaves the facility. Claims submitted through BTSSS are often processed quickly, in many cases within about a week.

Outstanding travel claims can often be resolved directly at the VA facility where the veteran receives care. Because the location of the Beneficiary Travel office varies by facility, veterans are encouraged to ask their clinic social worker or clinic staff where they should follow up regarding outstanding travel reimbursement claims. 

VA Clinic Wait Times and Community Care

Each month, we publish VA clinic wait time reports so veterans can monitor access to care throughout our district. These reports allow veterans to identify which clinics are providing timely access to care and which facilities continue to experience delays.

Unfortunately, we continue to learn that some specialty clinics experiencing lengthy wait times within the VA system are also facing similar, and in some cases even longer, wait times within the community provider network. This reflects a broader challenge in recruiting and retaining physicians and medical specialists in both the VA and private health care systems across the country.

The importance of timely access to care became clear following the events at the Phoenix Veterans Affairs Health Care System in 2014. Investigations by the VA Office of Inspector General found that managers maintained unofficial waiting lists while approximately 1,700 veterans waited months for medical appointments. These failures led to significant reforms throughout the VA health care system, including the expansion of what is now known as the VA Community Care Program.

Community Care exists to ensure that eligible veterans receive timely, high-quality medical care from local, in-network providers when the VA cannot provide the necessary care within established access standards. Our office continues to monitor the effectiveness of Community Care through your feedback and by reviewing VA clinic wait times throughout our district. We remain engaged with the Office of the VA Secretary and the House Committee on Veterans' Affairs to advocate for improvements that provide veterans with the quality care they have earned. Veterans interested in learning more about Community Care eligibility and administration are encouraged to review 38 CFR 17.4000 through 17.4040. Your feedback continues to play an important role in identifying areas where improvements are needed, and together we can help strengthen the system for future generations of veterans.

National Women Veterans Recognition Day

National Women Veterans Recognition Day is observed annually on June 12. This date commemorates the signing of the Women's Armed Services Integration Act on June 12, 1948, which officially authorized women to serve as permanent members of the United States Armed Forces. When the law was enacted, women primarily served in administrative, technical, and medical positions and were generally prohibited from serving in combat or aviation roles.

Over the decades, opportunities for women in military service have expanded significantly. Today, women serve in virtually every military occupational specialty, including combat arms, aviation, cyber operations, intelligence, and senior leadership positions. Although this progress has taken many years, National Women Veterans Recognition Day reminds us to recognize and honor the service, sacrifice, and accomplishments of the women who have proudly defended our nation.

Advancing Mental Health Treatment for Veterans

Military service has never been without risk. The men and women who volunteer to wear our nation's uniform do so with the expectation that, should they become injured or ill in the line of duty, they will receive the care they need. As warfare has evolved and combat operations have become increasingly complex, so have the challenges associated with treating both physical injuries and the invisible wounds of war. Many combat veterans have shared that one of their greatest frustrations is having to repeatedly tell their stories while still struggling to receive the specialized care they need. 

Improving access to effective treatment for post-traumatic stress disorder, traumatic brain injury, and other serious mental health conditions remains a national priority. In July, VA Secretary Collins and HHS Secretary Kennedy signed a memorandum of understanding designed to accelerate medical treatments for serious mental illness. This initiative seeks to expand clinical research, increase clinical trials, and strengthen collaboration with the Food and Drug Administration to evaluate promising evidence-based treatments that may improve the lives of veterans in the future. The VA is currently participating in 20 active clinical trials in this area, supported by more than $23 million in external funding.

Honoring Military Spouses and Caregivers

Marriage is a lifelong commitment. Wedding vows often include the promise to remain together "for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health." For military families, those words often take on an even deeper meaning. During the recruiting process, many young Americans hear about the opportunities to travel, learn valuable skills, and serve something greater than themselves. Far less attention is given to the possibility of life-changing injuries or illnesses that may forever alter the course of a family's future.

When veterans return home with catastrophic injuries or severe illnesses, it is often their spouses and caregivers who quietly shoulder the responsibility of providing daily care, emotional support, transportation, and assistance with everyday activities. Those responsibilities become even greater when a veteran requires constant care or is confined to a bed. Their sacrifices are seldom recognized, yet they play an essential role in helping our veterans recover and maintain the highest quality of life possible. We extend our sincere gratitude to every military spouse, caregiver, and family member who faithfully stands beside those who have sacrificed so much in service to our nation.

Honor Flight

Honor Flight organizations provide veterans with the opportunity to travel to Washington, D.C., at no cost to visit the memorials dedicated to their military service. These trips are designed to provide veterans with recognition, gratitude, and, for many, the "Welcome Home" they so richly deserve. Earlier this year, veterans from Florida's Third Congressional District participated in this unforgettable experience through First Coast Honor Flight. The opportunity to stand before the memorials honoring their service, and the service of those who came before them, is an experience that leaves a lasting impression on every participant.

Additional Honor Flight opportunities continue to be available for eligible veterans wishing to visit the memorials honoring every generation of American service. 

Veterans interested in applying for an Honor Flight or locating a departure location closer to home are encouraged to visit: https://www.honorflight.org/

Your Voice Matters

As a veteran, your First Amendment rights include freedom of speech and the right to petition your government. As your representative in Congress, I believe those voices should always be heard when decisions affecting veterans and their families are being made. The experiences you share with our office help ensure that legislation is informed by those who have firsthand knowledge of the challenges facing the veteran community.

Whether your experiences have been positive or negative, your feedback helps identify opportunities for improvement and ensures that veterans remain at the center of every discussion. I encourage you to continue sharing your thoughts, concerns, and recommendations through our official constituent contact page. Your voice matters, and together we can continue working to improve the programs and services our veterans have earned.

Share your feedback by contacting any of our offices listed below, or at: cammack.house.gov.

Unsubscribe