WIESBADEN, Germany \u2013 U.S. military veterans and their beneficiaries will now have more opportunities to meet with a VA representative in person thanks to a decision to extend their latest visit to Clay Kaserne through Nov. 8.<\/p>\n
In coordination with Garrison Retiree Services, a team of VA Overseas Military Service Coordinators had originally planned to stay through Wednesday in support of last weekend\u2019s Retiree Appreciation Day event.<\/p>\n
Jacqueline Bolduc, one of the two visiting coordinators, explained that the decision was made due to high demands for appointments.<\/p>\n
Those wanting to meet with a VA coordinator, can schedule an appointment at: https:\/\/calendly.com\/va-omsc-ktown. Walk-ins are also welcome to be seen on a first-come, first-serve basis.<\/p>\n
Although these representatives cannot provide the full spectrum of VA services, they offer a way for retirees, U.S. veterans, transitioning service members, and their dependents to meet face-to-face with a subject matter expert. They can help with general questions, navigating claims and other VA processes, as well as provide specific resources for veterans living or working overseas.<\/p>\n
While Bolduc herself is currently on an 11-month temporary duty assignment as a VAOMSC, she normally works as a disability rater with the VA regional office in St. Petersburg, Fla.<\/p>\n
\u201c[The VA\u2019s] Pittsburgh regional office is the one who actually works the claims,\u201d Buldoc said. \u201cWe will advise\u2026 we\u2019ll give the forms, allow them to email us and we can check them, make corrections, and even submit them on their behalf.<\/p>\n
\u201cThere\u2019s not a lot of preparation that the veteran has to do because we have access to the VA system, so we can see all their VA paperwork, we can see their rating decisions, we can see their records.\u201d<\/p><\/blockquote>\n
One of the biggest priorities for VA coordinators is to ensure that all veterans are aware of the VA\u2019s Foreign Medical Program, a benefit specifically for veterans who find themselves receiving medical care in a country outside the U.S.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s a reimbursement program that will only reimburse for service-connected disabilities, but it\u2019s really easy to enroll, [and] it\u2019s really easy to use,\u201d Bolduc said. \u201cIt also kind of bridges a gap where maybe you have a lot of retirees out here so they\u2019re on a fixed income and stuff, so it may allow them to get health care that they wouldn\u2019t be able to afford otherwise.\u201d<\/p>\n
Although VA coordinators don\u2019t normally visit USAG Wiesbaden on any regular schedule, Buldoc said the VA could potentially explore more frequent visits.<\/p>\n
However, those hoping to speak with a VA coordinator can always schedule a phone conference anytime, using the same system to schedule any other appointment.<\/p>\n
Still, for some, an in-person appointment is always preferred, and many veterans still travel from all around Europe to meet with a representative.<\/p>\n