Paralyzed Veterans of America is one of seven organizations partnering with the Department of Veterans Affairs on a new collaborative social media campaign aimed at answering veterans’ questions.
The #VetQ initiative, launched by the VA and partner organizations on July 30, 2014, encourages veterans to take to Twitter to ask questions about their benefits using the hashtag #VetQ. The hashtag will identify the question and allow the VA and partner organizations to answer it.
Partner organizations like Paralyzed Veterans of America are invited to answer veterans’ questions and advertise their services to help better assist veterans in getting the benefits they are entitled to.
Veterans can ask questions about topics ranging from health and disability benefits to VA home loans to GI Bill and education benefits. VA is encouraging veteran service organizations to answer questions even if other VSOs have already responded, as the first answer may not always be the best depending on the needs of each individual veteran.
“I am excited at the prospect of using social networking to educate veterans, dependents, and caregivers on VA benefits,” said Sherman Gillums, Jr., associate executive director of veterans benefits for Paralyzed Veterans of America. “The #VetQ initiative will provide a dynamic forum to engage stakeholders in real time, which will help VA deliver timelier services. Additionally, it gives veterans service organizations like Paralyzed Veterans of America an opportunity to partner with VA in the effort to close transition gaps for Post-9/11 service members and their families.”
Tim Hudak, staff writer for the digital engagement team at VA, said that while questions from veterans will be limited to Twitter’s 140 characters, the goal is to provide veterans with a convenient method for asking questions and facilitate collaboration among VSOs and the VA to ensure the veteran gets the best answer and services available. Over time, common questions and answers will likely be categorized on a frequently asked questions page, he said.
“Eventually, we’ll able to broadcast that reach and get the information to [veterans] without them even having to ask,” he said.
If you have a question about your veteran benefits, adaptive sports, or any subject related to military service, simply tweet your question and include the hashtag #VetQ. To learn more, visit: http://vaww.blogstest.va.gov/VAntage/vetq/.
This article was originally posted on the Paralyzed Veterans of America blog.
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I have been trying to get the benefit from the VA since 2008 and all my VA doctors say that I have things wrong with my legs since 1969 when I hurt them in Vietnam, and one was a special foot and leg doctor that wrote a full report on my medical records, but Detroit Va always say no. When I am not able to walk, I am sure that day is coming, I wonder if anybody will even know that I should have been awarded benefits right from the start? See I am one of the veterans that feels like we are the forgotten.
I was recently fitted for a wheelchair at the Va and while waiting I talked to a Vet who told me his story and how the va gave him a grant to purchase a van. He was a draftee in early 60’s, and the night before hi discharge physical he drank a 5thof Old Crow and his sugar was outrageous. He was listed as service connected and later his Dr. told him to quite drinking or lose a limb. He said he was not giving up his Jack D, and has since lost both legs. I spent 20 plus years am 100 per cent service connected have have primary pulmonary hypertension can’t walk walk across a room with out having my oxygen level drop into 70 to low 80 percent and possibly passing out. Why am I not eligible for the same VA Grant. The va will equip a van if I buy one, which I can’t afford. WHAT is wrong with picture.