Behind Friendly Lines: Five important updates about veteran health care (2024)

My wife and I (and eventually our kids) moved 11 times during my 20-year career in the Army. To say we experienced a lot of change and updated addresses in our lives is an understatement. But, hey, that’s the military lifestyle.

As active service members, you expect updates; whether you’re moving residences due to a permanent change of station, your favorite product gets a “new and improved” label, or your computer operating system asks you to install version 14.1.2.6.

This month, I have a few VA health care updates to share with you that I think you’ll appreciate.

1. Last year, more than 10,000 veterans in Colorado enrolled for VA health care through the PACT Act. As of March, three new groups of veterans are now eligible for VA health care under Section 103 of the PACT Act. Veterans are now eligible if they were exposed to toxins or other hazards during military service, if they were assigned to certain duty stations in Southwest Asia or parts of Africa, and if they deployed in support of certain operations after 9/11.

Here’s what that means for veterans. If you served in Vietnam, the Gulf War, Iraq, or Afghanistan, you can enroll. If you deployed to any combat zone after 9/11, you can enroll. If you deployed in support of the global war on terror, you can enroll.

And even if you never deployed but were exposed to toxins or hazards while training or serving on active duty here at home — by working with chemicals, pesticides, lead, asbestos, certain paints, nuclear weapons, X-rays and more — you can enroll, too.

It’s quick and easy to enroll by visiting VA.gov/PACT. Even if you don’t think you need this care today, you might need it tomorrow — or 20 years from now.

2. VA Eastern Colorado Health Care System is partnering with the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus and the Colorado Behavioral Health Administration with the Hummingbird Initiative. Through the initiative, accepted high school students will gain invaluable experience and training in veterans’ mental health at Rocky Mountain Regional VAMC in Aurora.

The Hummingbird Initiative strives to proactively address the impending shortage of 36,000 health care professionals in Colorado by 2026. Students accepted into the initiative receive training in PTSD, traumatic brain injury, substance use disorders, depression and anxiety. For more information, visit https://www.va.gov/eastern-colorado-health-care/news-releases/.

3. This past week, VA ECHCS recognized its 340 volunteers and the 59,000 hours (you read that right — 59,000) they contributed through volunteer assignments as a part of National Volunteer Week. Whether it’s driving, directing, sitting, serving, comforting, or counseling, these volunteers donated so much of their time and their lives to helping our veteran community. If you’re interested in helping out, visit www.va.gov/eastern-colorado-health-care/work-with-us/volunteer-or-donate/ to learn about the many opportunities.

4. The VA Health and Benefits mobile app is a must if you use VA health care or receive benefits — especially if you live in a remote or rural area. It provides immediate access to your VA information. More than 2 million users have downloaded the app, and more than 1 million people use it on a monthly basis (myself included).

In addition to health and benefits information, the app recently integrated biometric information to streamline access via fingerprint or facial recognition. The app now has a one-touch feature to generate a Proof of Veteran Status screen for retailers.

You can download the VA Health and Benefits app at the Apple App Store or through Google Play.

5. Did you know that VA has a 24/7 clinical contact center that allows veterans to connect virtually with clinical and administrative experts? This center offers four core services for our veteran community.

First — and probably most important: at 2 a.m. when you might be experiencing symptoms, a nurse can discuss your concerns and offer immediate recommendations on the best course of action.

Second, VA offers virtual clinic visits so veterans can talk with providers by phone, video, or chat to address their needs in detail. Third, you can make, reschedule, or cancel appointments anytime. Finally, VA offers pharmacy support for refills, renewals, tracking and other medication-related questions.

All you need to do is call your local facility and follow the prompts, according to your need. Veterans who receive care at VA Eastern Colorado Health Care System should call 303-399-8020. Veterans who receive their care through VA Western Colorado Health Care System should call 970-242-0731. Veterans in northern Colorado who receive their care from the Cheyenne VA Health Care System should call 307-778-7550.

Thanks for allowing me to walk alongside you behind friendly lines.

Victory!