In November, the United States Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) added a new quick start guide to their online library of resources for veterans—this one geared toward female veterans specifically.
The VA Women Veterans Quick Start Guide is available for download from the VA website, along with several other guides focusing on topics such as mental health services, education benefits, and disability rating.
In a recent VA blog announcing the new guide, Acting Deputy Secretary of the VA Pamela Powers was quoted as saying, "Women are serving in greater numbers than ever before and because of that, we at VA have to be ready to serve them more than ever before."
What does the VA Women Veterans Quick Start Guide include?
The guide was developed to help female veterans apply for health care benefits and services including regular wellness visits, specialty and maternity care, and mental health services. It includes instructions on the documents needed to show proof of eligibility (including a DD214) as well as several different ways to apply for VA health care (e.g., online, via telephone, in person). The guide also provides information about the benefits approval process, VA priority groups, and how to get a Veterans Health Identification Card (VHIC).
In addition, the VA Women Veterans Quick Start Guide talks about the resources available for military sexual trauma (MST) and combat PTSD survivors, along with a link that provides assistance for women veterans who are at risk of becoming homeless. There is also a number for a Women Veterans Call Center and a 24/7 crisis hotline.
Like the guide points out, you will need your DD214 before applying for benefits.
You should have received your DD Form 214 (Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty) on or shortly after discharge day, and you will need to provide a copy when applying for health care benefits. If you never received your DD214, or if it has been lost or damaged, you can order an expedited copy today from DD214Direct.
Veteran-owned DD214Direct helps you get the documents you need, when you need them.
Our cutting-edge technology platform and keen knowledge of government protocol and procedure allow us to deliver your documents faster than you could get them on your own. First, we digitize both your request and the returned documents, using electronic signatures to avoid extra time with the postal service. We also integrate email and fax throughout our entire process, while many agencies do not.
To further expedite the process, our team ensures your initial request is filled out properly the first time and includes the necessary supporting documentation so that it doesn't bounce back. In addition, we break up multiple requests (DD214, OMPF, etc.) so that each piece is handled separately and one does not delay the other.
Once your request is processed, DD214Direct becomes your personal advocate, working directly with the agency that holds your records (currently there are about 75 independent agencies) and immediately responding to any agency issues on your behalf. In many cases, DD214Direct is able to advance your request to a higher-priority workflow. Finally, we have team members at many locations to drop off and pick up documents.
Much like paying a small fee to have your taxes done by a professional, DD214Direct provides the service and convenience you’ve been hoping for, plus we make it a lot easier. Once we locate your DD214, we can email you a copy immediately—a service not offered by the government. And tracking your request through us is simple, so you never have to worry about long hold times and inconclusive answers.
Ready to get started? Click here to begin the order process.
