2.1: Reentry into Civilian Life

Ease the reentry of new veterans into civilian life by increasing awareness of, access to, and use of VA health care, benefits, and services.

Other Information:

Purpose and Outcomes: The purpose of this objective is to ensure that active duty and recently separated servicemembers are aware of and are able or inclined to access the benefits to which they are entitled as they transition to veteran status. Awareness of eligibility for VA benefits has a direct and lasting impact upon demand for VA services, and the degree to which VA can meet the needs of our Nation’s veterans. Through readjustment counseling, VA will help veterans become fully reintegrated into their communities with minimal disruption to their lives. In partnership with DoD, VA conducts outreach activities and transition assistance to separating servicemembers. VA will make health care services available for veterans newly returned from a combat zone, even without a serviceconnected disability. This eligibility lasts for 2 years after a veteran leaves active duty, although anyone with medical problems related to military service can qualify for life-long VA health care. In addition, our Nation’s reserves are eligible for a wide variety of VA benefits. The ultimate outcome of this objective is a smooth transition from military service to civilian life for every individual being discharged from active military service. Strategies and Processes: VA regional offices and medical center personnel will continue to work with military personnel to expand our presence at major military separation points. VA is currently active at 128 military installations in 39 states. In addition, VA has established a presence overseas, including Germany and Korea. There are 38 out-based claims processing centers staffed by VA personnel to provide on-site disability determinations, vocational rehabilitation counseling, and assistance with all VA benefits within 30 days of military separation. At many of these locations, military physicians are providing medical examinations that meet military separation criteria as well as VA disability evaluation criteria. To ease the reentry of new veterans into civilian life, VA will undertake the following overarching strategies: • VA will modify its IT Enterprise Architecture to achieve a much higher level of veteran-centric service. All VA business lines will be transformed to achieve a secure veteran-centric delivery process that would enable veterans and their families to register and update information, submit claims or inquiries, and obtain status on pending items. • VA will provide veterans with easy access to information and the opportunity to interact with VA for benefits and services, at a convenient time and place. • VA will build or enhance partnerships with DoD, DOL, and other organizations to improve the transition to civilian life. VA will work with DoD to develop transition counseling programs for servicemembers, not only at the time of discharge, but also focused on the servicemember at the time of enlistment. • VA will work with DoD to utilize the Defense Eligibility and Entitlement Records System (DEERS). DEERS is a computerized enrollment and eligibility database of military sponsors, families and others worldwide who are entitled under the law to TRICARE benefits. DEERS registration is required for TRICARE eligibility. VA and DoD submitted a joint IT business case to develop an integrated, shared registration and eligibility system. During FY 2004, VA will test an integration solution that creates a VA data repository with an electronic connection to DEERS. • VA will inform servicemembers and veterans of the benefits and services to which they may be entitled. VA will enhance outreach to transitioning servicemembers through alliances with other Federal agencies and improve outreach for servicemembers with disabilities and other special groups of individuals transitioning to civilian life. VA and DoD will enhance collaborative efforts to improve access to benefits: streamline application processes, eliminate duplicative requirements and correct other business practices that complicate the transition from active duty to veteran status. This will be accomplished through joint initiatives that: ensure wide dissemination of information on the array of benefits and services available to both VA and DoD beneficiaries; enhance educational programming on eligibility criteria and application requirements, increase sites providing Benefits Delivery at Discharge (BDD), improve the physical examination and claims process; and develop interoperable information management systems necessary for the administration and management of beneficiary claims. In the health care area, VA will increase provider and veterans’ knowledge of the impact of military service on health. Collaboration between VA and DoD during the military discharge process will be increased to invigorate and update the Transitional Assistance Program (TAP). VA will also collaborate with DoD to develop a complete lifelong health record for veterans. VA will intensify efforts to implement the Veterans’ Health Initiative (VHI), including fully incorporating each veteran’s military history and potential consequences of service into the Computerized Patient Records System (CPRS). VA will provide electronic access to health care information/medical history to recently discharged veterans. In addition, VA will provide readjustment counseling services to eligible veterans at risk for psychological trauma from active military duty in combat theaters of operation, or from militaryrelated sexual assault. These individuals will be provided timely access to clinically effective counseling that is culturally sensitive and results in positive customer feedback. Readjustment counseling services includes professional readjustment counseling, community education, outreach to special populations, brokering of services with community agencies, and provides a key access link between the veteran and other services in VA. Pre-discharge physicals will be offered to ensure accurate information is available at the time of discharge. External Factors: • To ensure a smooth transition from military to civilian life requires the cooperation of external partners such as DoD and DOL.

Indicator(s):

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