THE STRUCTURE OF THE VA
The Structure of the VA
Did you know that the VA is divided into three different and separate administrations? Much like DoD, VA has three different and distinct administrations that often do not automatically share information. This can be critical for you to know when handling your benefits and affairs. It is important to understand which part of the VA you are dealing with and what communication is taking place. Remember; information sharing between government agencies is not always automatic. This is a frustrating fact that most of us are all too familiar with, but, knowledge is power.
Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
VHA is the largest integrated healthcare system in the world. It also employs almost 430,000 federal civilians, the bulk of VA’s half million workforce! VHA operates VA Medical Centers and CBOCs or Community Based Outpatient Clinics, many of which are in rural areas. VHA also outsources care through their community care referral program that connects Veterans to external providers and resources.
VHA also runs Veteran homelessness programs, Women’s Health, Caregiver programs, and many others. VHA continually seeks to expand offerings to Veterans with programs such as Battlefield Acupuncture, Whole Health and Wellness, Chiropractic care and more. Talk to your primary care doctor about programs, and yes, expect to ‘jump through hoops’ to get connected to some. You will find that the 30 minutes you had to speak with a nurse ended up being worth the trouble once you get the care you need.
Last, understand that VHA does not automatically communicate with the Veterans Benefits Administration. This is important to understand for two reasons. First; VHA cannot generate a claim for you. You may be getting treated for a condition by the VA (VHA), but this does not automatically translate into a claim for benefits with VBA. Second; believe it or not, your providers at VA do NOT understand the principles of the law that govern service connection for benefits. Very often, Veterans will tell me: “My doctor said this should be service-connected.” This type of overreach is frustrating and misleading as providers rarely understand the legal requirements for Veterans to successfully claim a benefit. Always discuss new conditions and questions with an accredited Service Officer. For issues with the quality of VHA healthcare, find the Patient Advocate Office at the closest VA Medical Center.
Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA)
VBA handles Veterans Disability, Compensation, Pension and Education claims. VBA operates and is bound by Federal Law 38 USC and the rules of evidence in the same manner as any other regulated agency or industry. Every decision VBA makes about a claim is weighed alongside the laws passed by Congress. Contrary to popular opinion, VA (VBA) is not ‘out to get you,’ or programmed to deny your claim. As a matter of fact, VBA operates under the principle ‘Grant if you can, Deny if you must.’ The ‘must’ represents a restriction prescribed by law.
VBA does not automatically get medical information from medical providers, including VHA providers. Keep this in mind when exploring your benefits options. You must submit a claim to VBA and either name your VHA facility, or submit civilian records to VBA for them to be considered in the scope of your claim. It is very important not to assume that these agencies share information without your consent. There are exceptions such as when you are hospitalized at a VA facility.
Bottom line….if it has to do with benefits, seek the counsel of an accredited Service Officer.
National Cemetery Administration (NCA)
The NCA provides burial space for Veterans and their eligible family members, and maintains national cemeteries as national shrines, sacred to the honor and memory of those interred or memorialized there.
Most funeral homes and services are skilled at communicating with NCA. Service Officers can also assist with connecting surviving family members with NCA resources.
NCA offers burial space as well as gravesite markers, headstone markers, burial flags and burial allowances. I always recommend that veterans equip their loved ones with the contact information for VSOs in the event of their death. These organizations will ensure the family is properly connected to these resources and that all applications for NCA benefits are submitted.
In conclusion, remember that interagency communication is not automatic. Seek out the experts who know the rules….service officers are not doctors and doctors are not service officers.
John Bartow
Three Rangers Foundation VA Benefits Director