Contact information for the VA
The Community Based Outpatient Clinic (808) 246-0497
The VA Counselors (808) 246-1163
| Location | Phone Number | |
| Honolulu/Kauai | 1-800-827-1000 | pctc.vbahon@va.gov |
| Maui/Molokai/Lanai | (808) 433-0280 | alan.hill459@va.gov |
| Hilo/Kona | (808) 347-0428 | reginald.alexander@va.gov |
| Guam | 671-648-0010 671-648-0093 671-648-0094 671-648-0090 671-648-0095 |
Pctc.vbahon@va.gov
|
| American Samoa | 684-699-3730, press 5 | Pctc.vbahon@va.gov |
- by: Joseph Bahr
- 2024-08-25
- Source: The Killeen Daily Herald
The number of companies unaccredited by the Department of Veterans Affairs purportedly helping military veterans has been on the rise in recent years, including in the Killeen-Fort Cavazos area.
Some of these companies have been labeled “claim sharks,” by numerous veterans organizations in an attempt to curb their predatory behavior toward an ocean of veterans.
The rise of veterans disability claims agents is the result of a change to federal statutes that took place in 2006. Prior to the statute change, there was a strict limit on the how much a company could charge for assisting veterans with their claims.
The amendment loosened the restrictions on fees and allowed those assisting veterans to charge a reasonable fee. This led to an uptick in the number of individuals and companies, both accredited and unaccredited, that were aimed at veterans.
VAPIHCS Veterans,
Flag Day in American Samoa
Flag day is celebrated on June 14 each year in the mainland United States. However, in the U.S. Territory of American Samoa, they celebrate a different kind of Flag Day. Each year on April 17, the people of American Samoa celebrate the first time the U.S. flag was raised on their soil, which was on April 17, 1900. The day is celebrated with activities like long boat races (fautasi in Samoan), cultural dances, and parades. I want to wish our employees at the VA Pacific Islands Health Care System (VAPIHCS) American Samoa Community Based Outpatient Clinic (CBOC) and all the Veterans and people of American Samoa a very happy Flag Day!
Veteran Art Classes
VAPIHCS will be hosting painting classes for Veterans from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. on Wednesdays at the Daniel Kahikina Akaka VA Clinic. These classes will be taught by professional artist and Marine Corps Veteran Peter Koutrouba. Painting -and art in general- has wonderful therapeutic qualities, and it can also be a fun way to relax and enjoy yourself. The classes are free, and Veterans who are interested may drop in on Wednesdays. At the end of the year, students will be welcome to submit their work to the national VA art competition.
Neurofeedback Study
VAPIHCS is hosting a scientific study into a therapy called Neurofeedback at our Honolulu station. This method of therapy has been linked to decreased headaches, improved sleep, improved attention and focus, and improved quality of life. If you are a Veteran who suffered a mild concussion while on active duty and who continues to suffer from headaches, insomnia, and difficulty paying attention, you may be eligible to participate. Contact Dr. Judy Carlson at 808-433-6677 if you would like to participate. You will answer some simple questions, and if you qualify, we will ask you to come see us for 20 free, fun, relaxing sessions of neurofeedback three to five times per week. We will compensate you for your time.
One Team, One Ohana!
Adam M. Robinson, Jr., MD, MBA, CPE
Director, VA Pacific Islands Health Care System
VADM, MC, USN, (RET)
36th Surgeon General, USN
Stay Informed
Website: https://www.va.gov/pacific-islands-health-care/submit your email to get our updates
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/VAPacificIslands/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/va_pacific_islands/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/PAOOffice1
Podcast: https://vapihcspao.podbean.com/
National Guard and Reserves
https://www.benefits.va.gov/guardreserve/
PACT Act is now law, 23 New Presumptives, Agent Orange, Burn Pits
Military Funeral Honors
Provided by the Department of Defense (DOD)
It is the family’s responsibility to work directly with the Veterans “Branch of Service”. Please contact the specific branch for “Military Funeral Honors Request Assistance”.
For your convenience, we have provided the contact numbers below:
Army – 808-655-5124
Marine Corps – 808-257-7712
Navy – 808-368-3202
Air Force and Space Force – 808-448-0955
Coast Guard – 808-842-2992