This week and last, SFR examined the state of New Mexico veterans seeking VA benefits. Many of this week's salient numbers come from Jo Ann Pacheco, the public affairs officer at the Albuquerque VA office, who answers SFR's questions below.

(Pacheco sent her responses via email.)

SFR: What is the average wait time for veterans to access federal benefits in New Mexico?
Jo Ann Pacheco: Currently the average wait time for a claim for disability benefits is 158 days.  Our main focus is making final decisions on our oldest claims, which are those claims pending more than 125 days.

SFR: Approximately how many New Mexico veterans are currently awaiting VA benefits?
JP: We currently have approximately 3,800 claims for disability benefits pending with approximately 37.5% pending more than 125 days.  In addition we have approximately 1,400 claims where we have made a benefits decision, but veterans have appealed the decision we made.

SFR: Has the July change to PTSD regulations eased New Mexico's benefits backlog at all?
JP: Under the new rule, VA does not require corroboration of a PTSD stressor related to fear of hostile military or terrorist activity if a VA psychiatrist or psychologist confirms that the stressful experience recalled by a Veteran adequately supports a diagnosis of PTSD and the Veteran's symptoms are related to the claimed stressor.  Previously, VA required non-combat Veterans to corroborate the fact that they experienced a PTSD stressor related to hostile military activity.  This rule simplifies the development that is required for these cases, but does not necessarily decrease the number of new or reopened claims for PTSD.

SFR: Please verify that VA hospitals do not permit doctors to recommend PTSD patients to New Mexico's medical cannabis program.
JP: The VA Medical Center does not permit their physicians to refer PTSD patients for medical cannabis.

SFR: One common concern among veteran advocacy groups is the lack of education or awareness among veterans of the benefits available to them. Is this a problem? If so, what is the VA doing to help publicize benefits to veterans?
JP: VA is doing a tremendous amount of outreach to recently discharged servicemembers to make them aware of VA benefits they may be entitled to. 

 

In FY 2009, VBA conducted over 8,500 Transition Assistance Program and Disabled Transition Assistance Program briefings, attended by over 365,800 servicemembers and family members.

VA pre-discharge programs (Benefits Delivery at Discharge, Quick Start, VA/DoD DES, and case management services for seriously injured combat Veterans) expedite disability claims processing for separating servicemembers.

 VA and DoD have collaborative workings groups within the Benefits Executive Council to improve the quality, efficiency, and effectiveness of the delivery of benefits and services to servicemembers, Veterans, and their families.

Welcome home packages are mailed to separating servicemembers explaining VA benefits and services.

Over 200,000 letters are sent annually. 

Outreach to guard and reservists is conducted in partnership with DoD through the Yellow Ribbon program prior to following deployment.  Outreach topics include retirement, healthcare, and job fairs.