VA | USVI Office of Veterans Affairs

  • Home
  • Welcome
  • Services
  • Forms
  • Military Records Request
  • News
    • Press Releases
    • Photos
    • Newsletters
  • Links
    • VI Office of Veterans Affairs Facebook
    • VA Caribbean Healthcare
    • VA Caribbean Healthcare Facebook
    • Register for UVICELL
  • Contact
  • Employment
  • Home
  • Articles posted by Patrick Farrell
June 8, 2023

Author: Patrick Farrell

Travel Reimbursement Policy Reminder

  • 0
Patrick Farrell
Thursday, 06 April 2023 / Published in Newsletters, Press Releases

April 15, 2020

Revised August 1, 2022

VI Office of Veterans Affairs Policy Letter #3 (v2)

 

Subject: Medical Travel Reimbursements

 

Travel within VA Caribbean Healthcare Network

Virgin Islands Veterans traveling to the closest VA medical facility for medical appointments are eligible for 100% reimbursement of flight arrangements. These Veterans must meet the following criteria:

 

  • Appointment/referral must be initiated by the VA Community Based Outpatient Clinic (CBOC) or authorized by the Director of the V.I. Office of Veterans Affairs for emergency purposes.
  • Veterans’ appointment slip from the local CBOC, boarding passes, and ticket receipt showing amount must be presented to the VI Office of Veterans Affairs upon return as a part of the approval process.
  • Appointment must be a non-service-connected appointment (service-connected appointments are funded via the CBOC).
  • Flight arrangements for one flight companion can be reimbursed IF the attending physician states (in writing) the need based on medical necessity.

 

NOTE: All Veterans seventy (70) years of age or older are authorized to be reimbursed for the ticket of a travel companion through the Office of Veterans Affairs whether the CBOC states so in writing or not. The purpose of the companion must be to assist the Veteran as they travel.

 

Travel outside of the VA Caribbean Healthcare Network

Virgin Islands Veterans traveling outside of the VA Caribbean Healthcare Network are authorized to be reimbursed by the Office of Veterans Affairs at a rate of no more than $250, for no more than three (3) trips per fiscal year (October 1 – September 30) under the following circumstances:

  • Veteran must be receiving care at a VA Hospital or VA Medical Center (being seen at a CBOC does not qualify)
  • Reimbursement for travel must be pre-approved by the Director of the V.I. Office of Veterans Affairs before travel is initiated. This will also include verification of appointment at a VA Medical Facility. Proof of attendance at appointments is required before final approval.
  • Only the Director of Veterans Affairs can approve reimbursement for travel outside of the VA Caribbean Healthcare Network.
  • Travel attendants are not authorized for reimbursement
  • Authorization will be based on availability of funds.

 

FOR Official Use

 

This policy is effective as of the date on this letter and remains in effect unless changed or rescinded by the current Director of the Virgin Islands Office of Veterans Affairs. 

 

Policy Letter #3 (v2) – Medical Travel Reimbursement

VBA Counselor Schedule FY 22 / 23

  • 0
Patrick Farrell
Friday, 23 December 2022 / Published in Press Releases

2022 Veterans Day Ceremonies to honor Noel Boynes Sr., Warren “Cap” Hendrickson, and Charles David

  • 0
Patrick Farrell
Friday, 04 November 2022 / Published in Photos, Press Releases

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

MEDIA CONTACT PERSON: Director Patrick Farrell

340-774-VETS (8387)                                                                                                               4 Nov 2022

 

2022 Veterans Day Ceremonies to honor Noel Boynes Sr., Warren “Cap” Hendrickson, and Charles David

On November 6th and 11th,, the Virgin Islands will be hosting Veterans Day ceremonies following this year’s theme “Honor”. The following Virgin Islanders have been selected as honorees for their selfless service to our Veteran community:

 

Capt. Noel Boynes Sr. – St. John

Warren “Cap” Hendrickson – St. Thomas

Charles David – St. Croix

 

Over the years, these Veterans have continued to serve the community in which they live in different capacities. To show our appreciation for their selfless service we will be honoring them in their respective island district.

 

Ceremonies will take place on the following date, time, and place:

 

Sunday, 6th Nov    11:30am           Cruz Bay, St. John

 

Friday, 11th Nov   9am                   Veterans Drive, St Thomas

 

Friday, 11th Nov   3pm                   Frederiksted, St. Croix

 

Important to note: The Office of Veterans Affairs is currently monitoring the possibility of inclement weather in the territory. A final decision on the St. John parade will be made as soon as possible but no later than Saturday afternoon November 5th via our website and Facebook page.

 

Veterans can continue to get up-to-date information on the Office of Veterans Affairs website at www.veterans.vi.gov, calling the office @ (340) 774-8387, or by texting the word VIVets (no spaces) to 888-652-8387

 

See original Press Release – Veterans Day 2022

REVISED – Office of Veterans Affairs Hosts Veterans Appreciation Day Events

  • 0
Patrick Farrell
Friday, 04 November 2022 / Published in Press Releases

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

MEDIA CONTACT PERSON: Director Patrick Farrell

340-774-VETS (8387)

26 October 2022

 

REVISED

Office of Veterans Affairs Hosts Veterans Appreciation Day Events

 

The Office of Veterans Affairs will be hosting Veterans Appreciation Day events in honor of Veterans across the territory.

St. Croix

  • Veterans Bowling Social
    • Free Games and shoes at the Ten Pins Bowling Alley
    • Free Entertainment by: Stanley and the Ten Sleepless Nights and DJ Silver
    • Free Lunch and a Free T-Shirt will be provided
    • Thursday Nov 3, 2022
    • 10am – 2pm

St. Thomas / St. John

  • Veterans Day Sail
    • Free Entrance aboard the Kontiki
    • Free Entertainment by Spectrum Band
    • Free Lunch and a Free T-Shirt will be provided
    • Saturday Nov 5, 2022
    • 1pm – 4 pm

 

 

Please RSVP no later than Wednesday Nov 2, 2022 by visiting the office in your island district or by calling (340)773-8387xt202 on St. Croix or (340)774-8387xt204 on St. Thomas.

Please be advised that veterans can continue to get up-to-date information by visiting the Office of Veterans Affairs website at www.veterans.vi.gov, calling the office @ (340) 774/ 773 – 8387, or by texting the word  VIVets (no spaces) to 888-652-8387.

See original Press Release – Veterans Appreciation 2022 Revised

Office of Veterans Affairs to Subsidize Travel for VA Medical Appointments

  • 0
Patrick Farrell
Friday, 04 November 2022 / Published in Press Releases

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

MEDIA CONTACT PERSON: Director Patrick Farrell

340-774-VETS (8387)

 

25 October 2022

 

Office of Veterans Affairs to Subsidize Travel for VA Medical Appointments

Eligible Veterans can access medical care at ANY VA medical facility in the United States or its territories. What makes the difference is who pays for the Veterans’ travel arrangements to that facility. Through the Code of Federal Regulations, Veterans are mandated to seek medical care at the VA medical facility closest to their residence IF the VA is expected to pay for travel to that facility. In the case of the Virgin Islands, there is an outpatient clinic on St. Thomas and one on St. Croix; however, the closest VA Medical Center is on the island of Puerto Rico.

 

“For a very long time, Veterans in the Virgin Islands have expressed an interest in being able to travel to the mainland to attend VA medical appointments. To address these concerns, the Office of Veterans Affairs will be subsidizing the plane ticket of any Veteran seeking to attend VA Medical appointments on the mainland. Veterans will be allowed subsidy for no more than 3 trips per fiscal year (October 1 – 30 September) at a rate of up to $250 per trip. We asked that Veterans wishing to take advantage of this benefit first contact the V.I. Office of Veterans Affairs for pre-approval. Any request made after travel is not guaranteed to be approved”, said Director Farrell.

 

For further clarification, non service-connected Veterans traveling within our immediate region (St. Croix, St. Thomas, St. John, and Puerto Rico) for VA medical appointments are reimbursed up to 100% of their plane ticket.

 

If there are any questions, please feel free to call our office at (340) 774-8387 or (340) 773-8387.

 

Please be advised that veterans can continue to get up-to-date information by visiting the Office of Veterans Affairs website at www.veterans.vi.gov, calling the office @ (340) 774/ 773 – 8387, or by texting the word  VIVets (no spaces) to 888-652-8387.

 

See original Press Release – Veterans Travel Subsidy

Office of Veterans Affairs Hosts Veterans Appreciation Day Events

  • 0
Patrick Farrell
Friday, 04 November 2022 / Published in Press Releases

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

MEDIA CONTACT PERSON: Director Patrick Farrell

340-774-VETS (8387)

26 October 2022

Office of Veterans Affairs Hosts Veterans Appreciation Day Events

 

The Office of Veterans Affairs will be hosting Veterans Appreciation Day events in honor of Veterans across the territory.

St. Croix

  • Veterans Bowling Social
    • Free Games and shoes at the Ten Pins Bowling Alley
    • Free Entertainment by: Stanley and the Ten Sleepless Nights and DJ Silver
    • Free Lunch and a Free T-Shirt will be provided
    • Thursday Nov 3, 2022
    • 10am – 2pm

St. Thomas / St. John

  • Veterans Day Sail
    • Free Entrance aboard the Kontiki
    • Free Entertainment by Spectrum Band
    • Free Lunch and a Free T-Shirt will be provided
    • Saturday Nov 5, 2022
    • 1pm – 4 pm

Please RSVP no later than Wednesday Nov 2, 2022 by visiting the office in your island district or by calling (340) 727-8390 on St. Croix or (340) 727-8387 on St. Thomas.

Please be advised that veterans can continue to get up-to-date information by visiting the Office of Veterans Affairs website at www.veterans.vi.gov, calling the office @ (340) 774/ 773 – 8387, or by texting the word  VIVets (no spaces) to 888-652-8387.

 

See Original Press Release – Veterans Appreciation 2022

  • 0
Patrick Farrell
Tuesday, 13 September 2022 / Published in Uncategorized

VI Veterans Advisory Council (VIVAC) Seeking Members

  • 0
Patrick Farrell
Wednesday, 31 August 2022 / Published in Press Releases

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

MEDIA CONTACT PERSON: Director Patrick Farrell

340-774-VETS (8387)

 

31 August 2022

 

VI Veterans Advisory Council (VIVAC) Seeking Members

 

The V.I. Office of Veteran Affairs is in search of Veterans interested in serving on our “NEW” V.I. Veterans Advisory Council (VIVAC). Volunteers must be Veterans who joined the military while residing in the Virgin Islands. Members of VIVAC will assist the Office of Veterans Affairs in enhancing the quality of life for Veterans and their families by recommending new legislation, additions and or deletions to current policies, and bringing attention to deficiencies within the Veteran community to name a few.

 

To bring this council to life, we are seeking Veterans residing on each island within the U.S. Virgin Islands. To show your interest please use on of the following means of communications:

 

  • Send an email to info_va@va.vi.gov with the subject line being “Veteran Advisory Council”

 

  • Call (340) 773-8387 ext202 on St. Croix or (340) 774-8387 ext204 on St. Thomas.

 

  • Walk in to one of our offices and make it known that you are interested in serving on the council

 

Please be advised that veterans can continue to get up-to-date information by visiting the Office of Veterans Affairs website at www.veterans.vi.gov, calling the office @ (340) 774/ 773 – 8387, or by texting the word  VIVets (no spaces) to 888-652-8387.

 

Press Release – Veterans Advisory Council

Virgin Islander and Brigadier General Jeth B. Rey To Be Promoted

  • 0
Patrick Farrell
Wednesday, 31 August 2022 / Published in Press Releases

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

MEDIA CONTACT PERSON: Director Patrick Farrell

340-774-VETS (8387)

 

29 August 2022

 

Virgin Islander and Brigadier General Jeth B. Rey To Be Promoted

 

After serving 35 plus years in the United States Army, fellow Virgin Islander, Jeth B. Rey, will be promoted to rank of Major General on September 1, 2022. Brigadier General (Promotable) Rey joined the U.S. Army as an enlisted Soldier, then subsequently attended and successfully completed Warrant Officer Candidate School. A few years later, Brigadier General (Promotable) Rey attended and successfully completed Officer Candidate School which led him to currently being a general officer within the United States Army. Brigadier General (Promotable) Rey’s promotion to Major General will be his 17th promotion since he first joined the U.S. Army in 1983.

Brigadier General (Promotable) Jeth B. Rey will be interviewed by the Director of the Virgin Islands Office of Veterans Affairs, Patrick D. Farrell, this coming Tuesday evening (Aug 30, 2022) at 7pm on FM 107.9 DaVYBE.

 

Veterans can continue to get up-to-date information from the Office of Veterans Affairs website at www.veterans.vi.gov ,the Office of Veteran Affairs-USVI Facebook page, by calling the office @ (340) 774-8387 or (340) 773-8387, or by texting the word  VIVets (no spaces) to 888-652-8387

 

Press Release – Brigadier General Jeth B. Rey To Be Promoted

COVID-19 Booster Shots Available for Veterans

  • 0
Patrick Farrell
Monday, 29 November 2021 / Published in Press Releases

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

MEDIA CONTACT PERSON: Mrs. Juliette Frederick

340-774-VETS (8387)

 

23 November 2021

 

COVID-19 Booster Shots Available for Veterans

 The VA Caribbean Healthcare System in collaboration with the V.I. Office of Veterans Affairs will be conducting vaccination clinics for Veterans in the Virgin Islands. These vaccination clinics will be for the administering of COVID-19 booster shots.

Vaccination clinics will take place as follows:

 

St. Croix at the American Legion Post #85, Christiansted

  • 30th November and 1st Dec 2021

St. Thomas at the American Legion Post #90, Crown Bay

  • 7th and 8th December 2021

 

While walk-ins are welcomed, Veterans are encouraged to contact the Community Based Outpatient Clinic (CBOC) in their island district to make an appointment. Any Veteran missing this opportunity in either district please call the Virgin Islands Department of Health at (340) 712-6299 on St. Croix or (340) 776-1519 on St. Thomas or St. John for additional opportunities. In the interim, please continue being as safe as possible; wearing of masks when necessary, frequent washing of hands, physical distancing, and limiting unnecessary social activity are some suggestions.

Veterans can get up-to-date information on the Office of Veterans Affairs website at www.veterans.vi.gov calling the office @ (340) 774-8387, or by texting the word  VIVets (no spaces) to 888-652-8387

See Press Release at COVID-19 Booster Shots Available for Veterans

 

  • 1
  • 2
  • 3

Copyright © 2020 USVI Office of Veterans Affairs | VI.GOV
Developed by BIT

TOP

STAY INFORMED!!! Text the word "VIVETS" to 888-652-8387 in order to receive the latest updates directly to your cellphone