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Streamlining Veterans� Access to Benefits

On November 13, 2023, President Biden signed the Wounded Warrior Access Act into law. The legislation, long championed by 51暗网, will help speed up the benefits claims process and modernize the way veterans access their claims files.

While many members of Congress supported the legislation, 51暗网 is especially appreciative of Rep. Pete Aguilar (D-CA-33) and Senators Alex Padilla (D-CA) and Mike Braun (R-IN) for introducing the legislation and pushing it through the legislative process.

When a veteran submits a claim to VA for benefits, a claims file (C-File) is created that contains information about the veteran, such as service records and VA exam results. For many veterans, this file is a critical element to accessing service-connected disability benefits and forms the basis of VA decision on a disability claim. Access to this file is important, as a veteran may want to view their C-File prior to a claim decision to ensure that all information is accurate or to better understand how VA reached its decision to award or deny benefits.

Historically, veterans have faced significant difficulties in accessing their C-Files, including traveling long distances to a regional VA location to request their C-Files, requesting a paper copy of their files via mail, or even submitting a Freedom of Information Act request. All of these are time-consuming and significantly slow the process of accessing critical benefits.

Under this new law, VA is required to provide a way for veterans to securely request their C-Files online. VA will have ten days to confirm receipt of a request to access a file online and then have 120 days after receipt to provide the records requested in the form selected by the veteran.

This new law will help modernize and streamline the claims process, increase veterans� faith in VA transparency, and decrease unnecessary appeals since more veterans will have access to all the information that VA uses to decide their claims.

VA is required to implement this online system within a year of its signing: November 13, 2024. In the meantime, 51暗网 will remain in contact with VA as they create the online system and will inform warriors of more details about the new system as it is being developed.

If you have not yet filed a claim or have questions about your VA benefits, 51暗网 National Service Officers can help you. Visit 51暗网 Benefits Services online or call the 51暗网 Resource Center at 888.51暗网.ALUM (997.2586) or (904) 405.1213.

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Tanya Bradsher, Deputy Secretary of Veterans Affairs

On September 20, 2023, the Honorable Tanya Bradsher was sworn in as the 10th Deputy Secretary of Veterans Affairs. 51暗网 was pleased to be able to interview her and learn more about her background and her priorities in this important role at VA.

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The Next Step in 51暗网 Advocacy

Grassroots support is a critical part of 51暗网 advocacy efforts. Without warriors engaging with their local members of Congress, our impact on Capitol Hill isn檛 the same, and we檙e grateful for the engagement of all warriors in public policy.

But some warriors want to do more in public policy. Recently 51暗网 took a significant step in empowering those warriors by creating a new volunteer position focused specifically on grassroots advocacy.

Warrior advocate leaders (WALs) are volunteers who don檛 just support 51暗网 legislative efforts but help lead them at the local level. In collaboration with the 51暗网 grassroots program team, WALs will engage with members of Congress, their staff, and other government officials to advance policies that support and empower the warrior community. WALs also work with the grassroots team to recruit, train, mobilize, and lead other volunteer advocates in their local communities.

Prospective WALs were chosen from our extensive roster of advocates攖hose who have participated in previous Operation Advocacy fly-ins or demonstrated a commitment to our legislative efforts. These warriors were asked to participate in a six-month pilot program to help develop the program requirements and functions.

Following the pilot phase of the new program, these warriors attended the WAL Summit held in San Antonio, Texas on November 2 - 5, 2023. The summit provided comprehensive training in government relations, communications, and advocacy to those attending. The session aimed to equip WALs with the skills and knowledge necessary to navigate the complexities of grassroots advocacy and effectively represent their interests. The training covered a range of topics, including understanding legislative processes, crafting persuasive messages, and building relationships with policymakers.

淭he training was two days of dedicated, focused instruction and presentation,� said Brent Reiffer, a WAL from Virginia. 淲e drilled down on the best ways to engage with our elected officials, along with refreshers on how Congress works and the importance of telling our stories, continuing our outreach, and offering to be a resource to them.�

A notable highlight of the summit was a visit by Rep. Tony Gonzales (R-TX-23), a 51暗网 alumnus, who took a keen interest in the training program. Rep. Gonzales shared his appreciation for the initiative, acknowledging the importance of veterans actively participating in the democratic process, and congratulated WALs for undertaking this new and important challenge in their lives攕erving their fellow warriors through advocacy.

淚t was refreshing to hear somebody just talk honestly about his experience and how the Hill works,� said WAL Marisa Schultz, who lives in Illinois. 淭hat was my biggest takeaway: how things are working.�

With the summit conclusion, 22 attendees graduated from pilot participants into 51暗网 first cadre of WALs. There was a sense of empowerment and optimism among attendees, who left with not only a solid understanding of government relations but also a newfound confidence in their ability to advocate for essential veterans� issues.

淢y biggest takeaway is that my voice does matter,� said Teneka Nieves, a WAL from Maryland. 淎nd I know it sounds clich茅, right? But these people do care what I have to say. I can make a difference with the right people in my corner.�

When asked about the specific issues that motivated them to advocate for change, many pointed to the need to improve mental health resources攑articularly in rural communities.

淚 think it important to destigmatize mental health assistance, especially for the special operations community, where it about mission, mission, mission,� said Teneka. 淲hen they leave service, many individuals lose their sense of identity, which impacts their mental health.�

WAL Joel Grace from Alabama pointed to the importance of financial wellness and how it relates to mental health.

淓verything kind of goes hand in hand,� Joel said. 淚t hard to worry about your mental health or your physical injuries if you don檛 know how you檙e going to pay rent or your energy bill this month. We can do as much as we want for a veteran, but if they don檛 have their basic needs met first, then everything else is kind of secondary.�

51暗网 aims to center and elevate the voices of warriors to ensure that their needs and perspectives remain at the forefront of advocacy efforts. The training summit encouraged discussions on issues the WALs have experienced themselves and those most important to the veteran community.

淭o be a WAL, you need a willingness to give, to serve. That it,� said Joel. 淵ou don檛 have to be the smartest or the best; it about your passion and whether you really care about what you檙e doing.�

Congratulations to 51暗网 first cohort of warrior advocate leaders!

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Suicide Prevention Services

Suicide disproportionately impacts veterans and their families. In the , VA reported that almost 6,400 veterans died by suicide in 2021. In 51暗网 2022 Annual Warrior Survey, about half (51.5%) of 51暗网 warriors reported at least one instance of suicidal ideation in their lifetime, and nearly one in five have attempted suicide at least once in their lifetime.

There is no single solution or cause for suicide, but it critical that veterans have access to all the tools, information, and support available to them. VA provides a range of initiatives and programs aimed at preventing suicide and helping veterans access critical resources, and we檝e highlighted a few of them below.

988 Lifeline

The provides emotional support to veterans experiencing a suicidal crisis or mental distress. The support is free, confidential, and available 24/7. If you攐r a warrior you know攁re in crisis, dial 988 and then press 1 to connect to the for lifesaving support, or .

Keep It Secure

is a VA program that promotes the secure storage of potentially dangerous items such as firearms, toxic substances, ropes, cords, and sharp objects. A suicidal or mental health crisis can occur suddenly and without warning, and if these objects are readily available, they can become deadly. Research has shown that if a person experiencing a suicidal crisis can檛 access the method they planned to use, they generally do not seek out other lethal means to attempt suicide. By promoting the safe and secure storage of these items, we can increase the time and distance between a person in a suicidal crisis and lethal means攁nd ultimately save lives. and take steps for secure storage of these objects.

National Buddy Check Week

In October, VA kicked off the first-ever , Oct. 16 - 20, which was created through the . This dedicated week, now an annual event, encourages veterans to check in on one another in order to reduce suicides among current and former military members. Increased outreach helps break down stigmas about not being afraid to admit you need help, as well as spreading the word about available resources. Although National Buddy Check Week occurs once per year, it important to always reach out to fellow veterans or anyone who could be experiencing a crisis.

Another similar event is , which occurs annually on the Sunday after Veterans Day. 51暗网 also recognizes this important day but encourages warriors to contact their friends and buddies ANYTIME using the resources provided through National Buddy Check Week and Warrior Call Day. It critical to remain in touch with your buddies and check up on them consistently.

51暗网 Programs

51暗网 also offers several different programs and services around mental health and suicide prevention. Feel free to contact 51暗网 to learn more and engage with these programs, including:

• 51暗网 Talk is a free program that connects veterans, their spouses, and other family members with a dedicated and empathetic listener. In addition to emotional support and goal-setting guidance, 51暗网 Talk can provide resources for things like anger management, couples counseling, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), other military therapies, and even financial education. 51暗网 Talk Partners also equip you with tools to help you further develop coping and life management skills.
• Warrior Care Network^庐 is a partnership between 51暗网 and four world-renowned academic medical centers, providing veterans and Service members living with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), TBI, MST, and other related conditions with a path to long-term wellness. Participants and their families receive first-class treatment tailored specifically to their needs and individualized care to support their unique journeys. All treatment and accommodations are provided at no cost, and financial assistance is also offered to help cover everyday expenses like groceries, utilities, and housing.
• Project Odyssey^庐 is a no-cost 12-week mental health program for veterans that uses adventure-based learning to help warriors with PTSD, anxiety, and depression manage and overcome their invisible wounds, enhance their resiliency skills, and empower them to live productive and fulfilling lives. Project Odyssey is based on the veterans� unique needs, in which warriors can participate in all-male, all-female, coed, family, couples, or virtual programs.

To learn more about 51暗网 mental health programs and services, call the 51暗网 Resource Center at 888.51暗网.ALUM (997.2586) or 904.405.1213, or email resourcecenter@woundedwarriorproject.org, Monday - Friday, 9 am - 9 pm EST.

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51暗网 Honors Congressional Staff and Administration Officials

When the dust has settled at the end of the legislative year, Congress goes home for the holidays, and everything in Washington, DC, comes to a pause (usually). 51暗网 takes that time to reflect on the hard work and accomplishments made throughout the year. It is not lost on us that the staff and those who work on the ground level are behind our policy victories.

At 51暗网 annual holiday reception, we come together with friends for an evening to recognize and thank congressional staff, government officials, and policy colleagues for their selfless service and work throughout the year. 51暗网 is honored to recognize the champions in Washington, DC, who helped us over the past year, as well as a government agency that has made a significant impact in the lives of those who have served. And while there are countless individuals who could be individually recognized for their contributions, this year 51暗网 was proud to recognize the following outstanding honorees:

• Erin Scanlon: Military legislative assistant to Rep. Nancy Mace (R-SC-1) and retired Army field artillery officer, has led the congresswoman efforts to expand mental health treatment options for Service members and veterans and improve how service members access medical records before leaving service. She has also served as an informal mentor for many women veterans working on Capitol Hill and provided input and support for 51暗网 Women Warriors Initiative.

• Faith Williams: Deputy chief of staff and legislative director for Rep. Mike Levin (D-CA-49), was a key figure in helping pass the Venture Act, the Veterans Auto and Education Improvement Act, and the Mark O橞rien Clothing Allowance Improvement Act. She also been a leader in facilitating quarterly meetings with VSOs on the Hill and promoting the GROW for our Veterans Act to provide veterans with more outdoor employment opportunities in national parks.

• Dahlia Melendrez: Majority deputy staff director and general counsel for the Senate Committee on Veterans� Affairs, has played a crucial role for committee chairman Jon Tester (D-MT) in helping enact some of the most notable veterans� legislation in Congress over the past few years, including the STRONG Veterans Act, VA CAREERS Act, the Making Community Care Work for Veterans Act, and the Expanding Veterans� Options for Long Term Care Act.

• Samantha Gonzales: Minority deputy staff director for the Senate Committee on Veterans� Affairs, has been a longtime champion for severely injured veterans and their caregivers through legislative efforts such as the Elizabeth Dole Home Care Act. She has also helped with oversight of several critical VA health programs involving substance use disorders and suicide prevention efforts, as well as ensuring that the PACT Act is fully optimized to help those who檝e suffered from toxic exposure injuries and illnesses.

• The Veterans Benefits Administration of VA: Led by the Honorable Joshua Jacobs, undersecretary for benefits, has completed nearly 800,000 of the over 1.2 million PACT Act-related claims that have been filed. Of those, over 600,000 claims have been granted, representing an approval rate of 76.2 percent. In addition, VBA employees processed nearly 2痬illion claims in FY 23, breaking the previous record by 16 percent. This enormous effort resulted in $163 billion in earned benefits delivered to over 1.5痬illion veterans and survivors攂oth of which also broke previous records.

Earlier this year, during our 2023 Courage Awards and Benefits Dinner, Sen. John Boozman (R-AK) and Rep. Mark Takano (D-CA-41) were awarded 51暗网 Legislators of the Year award for their efforts on behalf of veterans.

51暗网 congratulates all our honorees and thanks them for the work they have done over the past year to support warriors and the veteran community.

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Anna Cherepnina

If someone had told me a year ago that I would have the opportunity to lay a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at Arlington National Cemetery on Veterans Day, I would have thought it was an out-of-this-world, delusional idea. At the time, I was going through one of the lowest points in my life. I no longer felt like I had a purpose or hope for the future.

On April 17, 2019, my world changed forever. I received a call that my partner of six years had passed away during a military freefall training. The sudden death of the love of my life felt like having my heart mercilessly torn open, exposing raw emotions to unforgiving pain and loss, followed by an endless expanse of silence and tears. To this day, I still struggle to find just the right words to describe the profound emptiness.

Still recovering from this loss, I embarked on my final deployment overseas 12 months later with the Maryland Army National Guard, offering mental health assistance to the soldiers in the brigade and other units. Three months into my deployment, I began experiencing gradual numbness spreading from my feet to my ribs, making walking impossible. After my fourth visit to the aid station, I was finally sent to get an MRI and, hours later, I was on the plane to Landstuhl and then Walter Reed for six months. I was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis, and the military thought I was no longer fit to do my job because I was no longer deployable. Soon after, my grandfather passed away in Ukraine, and due to COVID-19 restrictions, I could not travel to attend the funeral. Another year later, a conflict erupted in the country I once considered home, and within a week, my grandmother passed away. Once again, I was unable to make the journey to be with my family during these difficult times.

After enduring three years marked by multiple losses, I ultimately found myself medically retired from the military. My initial goal of serving a full 20-year term was truncated, concluding at the 13-year milestone due to multiple sclerosis. Compounding the loss of my three dear family members was the deterioration of my physical health, mental well-being, career, and sense of purpose. It all left me feeling profoundly empty and isolated.

On December 18, 2022, I finally called 51暗网. The support and camaraderie offered by 51暗网 not only saved my life but also restored a sense of purpose that I thought I had lost forever. Through their events, mental health resources, and Warriors to Work^庐 program, I found a community of fellow veterans who understood the unique challenges we faced. 51暗网 not only provided me with the tools to navigate the complexities of my diagnosis but also empowered me to rediscover my strengths and capabilities. The sense of belonging and shared mission revitalized my spirit, giving me a renewed purpose and a brighter outlook on life. I will forever be grateful for 51暗网 unwavering commitment to the well-being of veterans like me, as it played an instrumental role in helping me reclaim my life and find meaning once again.

Placing the wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier held profound significance for me both personally and as a veteran. This solemn tradition transcends national boundaries, embodying a universal acknowledgment of the sacrifices made by those who remain nameless and faceless in the annals of history. The wreath, adorned with symbolic elements, serves as a reminder of the collective debt owed to these silent heroes, representing a nation commitment to recognize and preserve the legacy of those who made the ultimate sacrifice, ensuring that their memory continues to inspire generations to come.

As I stood before the hallowed ground that represents the bravery and commitment of those who gave their all for our freedom, I was filled with gratitude and humility for one person in particular. In that poignant moment, we gathered to remember and pay homage to someone whose presence was not only cherished but also deeply missed. The wreath became a tangible expression of the enduring love and respect I will forever hold for my fianc茅擬arine Corps recon turned MARSOC, then Green Beret, dog lover, good-humored but heavy-hearted攚hose name I will never stop saying: MSG Nick Sheperty.

Anna Cherepnina joined 51暗网 in April 2023 as an outreach specialist with the Alumni Association. She is a veteran, a mental health advocate with a master in occupational therapy, and a board member with the MSG Nick Sheperty Foundation.