At least I hope you find this useful (even if you have heard it before), as I once again miss a deadline and scramble to provide the readers with some content. My apologies for a lack of random banter this week.
VA’s BTSSS (Beneficiary Travel Self Service System) is an online, self-reporting system that eliminates delays created by paper forms and the kiosks for those Veterans eligible for travel reimbursement. Filing travel claims electronically with BTSSS and using direct deposit result in the fastest payment possible. You may have noticed the kiosks are no longer available at your VA clinic or medical center. You must now use BTSSS to file a travel reimbursement claim but fear not the good old paper forms an available option. Submitting a VA Form 10-3542, instead of using BTSSS, may delay your payment by weeks or a month (please consider your CVSO may be extremely busy, and it may take even longer for them to submit your paper form once received). www.va.gov/minneapolis-health-care/programs/travel-pay-reimbursement/
There are two ways to contact VA Health Care in our area. The national hotline for general questions regarding VA Health benefits: 1-800-698-2411. The number to the Minneapolis VA Medical Center (VAMC) which is the call center for all NE MN VA clinics (like Superior, WI): 1-866-414-5058. To reduce the options you may select, press 0 (zero) to speak to a live operator. You may request to be connected to “scheduling” to make an appointment or to “pharmacy” to ask questions about a prescription.
If you have a need for medical equipment or services (including Community Care), then you should be asking or requesting it from your VA primary care physician. Call to schedule an appointment or leave a message detailing your need. If your VA doctor deems it a medical necessity, then you may get the request authorized (at little or no cost to you). You will not know until you ask… your VA doctor.
You may check the status of your disability compensation claim online at VA.gov or call the national hotline number 1-800-698-2411 (yes, the same number works for VA health and benefits). Your call is documented in your claim and may even give it a nudge to get it moving again.
The Lake County Veterans Services office will be closed (working but unavailable) December 25 – January 1 for the holidays and end-of-year maintenance. The calendar is nearly full, so we will be unable to schedule in-person appointments until after the new year.
Brad Anderson and Melissa Crandall are the Lake County Veterans Service Officers and can be reached at 218.834.8326 or cvso@co.lake.mn.us Karen Christianson is the Cook County Veterans Service Officer and can be reached at 218.387.3639, or karen.christianson@co.cook.mn.us
