Frequently Asked Questions

CFVRP brings Veteran support organizations together in one place, connecting Veterans in the Cape Fear region with the resources they need — from community and mental health support to education and employment.

The HUD-VASH program is a collaborative initiative designed to provide housing assistance and supportive services to homeless veterans. The program combines Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) rental assistance from HUD with case management and supportive services provided by the VA. The program combines Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) rental assistance from HUD with case management and supportive services provided by the VA.

HUD-VASH Process:

• Application: Veterans interested in the HUD-VASH program must first apply through their local VA medical center or community-based outpatient clinic. They may also need to complete an application for the Housing Choice Voucher program through their local Public Housing Authority (PHA).
• Eligibility Assessment: Once the application is submitted, the VA assesses the veteran's eligibility based on specific criteria. This includes a review of the veteran's service record, income, and other factors that may affect housing stability.
• Referral to PHA: If deemed eligible, the VA refers the veteran to a local PHA that administers the Housing Choice Voucher program. The PHA will then conduct its own eligibility screening.
• Issuance of Voucher: If the veteran meets the PHA's criteria, they will receive a housing voucher, which allows them to find and rent housing in the private rental market. The voucher covers a portion of the rent based on the household's income.
• Housing Search: Veterans can begin searching for suitable housing. They are encouraged to work closely with their VA case manager, who can provide guidance and support throughout the process.
• Lease and Move-In: Once suitable housing is found, the veteran will sign a lease agreement with the landlord. The VA and PHA will conduct necessary inspections to ensure the housing meets quality standards before the veteran can move in.
• Ongoing Support: Once housed, veterans receive ongoing case management and supportive services from the VA. This may include assistance with mental health, substance use treatment, job training, and other resources to promote stability and self-sufficiency.

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The Homeless Veterans Program outreach team attended 45 community eventsand talked with 770 homeless individuals, 526 of these individuals werehomeless Veterans and provided 510 walk-in assessments and fielded 2,049hotline calls in FY25. For 2025, we were able to support 553 Veterans inHUD-VASH. The Fayetteville Metropolitan Housing Authority, which serves theCumberland County area, was given 40 vouchers, and the Eastern Carolina HumanServices Agency, which serves the Duplin and Onslow County areas, was given 10vouchers.  One of The Home Program Officeprogram initiative measures is housed in HUDVASH (HMLS 3), throughout FY25 wewere ranked #1 in the VISN.

When a veteran submits a benefits claim to the Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA), several steps are involved in the evaluation process before a decision is made. Here is an overview of the typical pathway:

1. Submission of Claim: The veteran begins by submitting a claim for benefits through the appropriate channels, which can be done online via the VA's website, through a veteran service organization, or by mailing a paper application.
2. Gathering Military Service Records: VBA will obtain the veteran's military service records, which include the service member's discharge papers (DD Form 214) and any pertinent documentation that outlines their service history, including deployments and any awards received.
3. Medical Records Review: The VBA will review the veteran's medical records, which include both service treatment records (STRs) and post-service medical records. This may also involve obtaining records from the Department of Defense (DoD) or from other sources if the veteran has received medical care outside of the VA system.
4. Unit Records: If the claim involves specific incidents or circumstances during service that led to the claim, unit records may be reviewed. These records help establish context for any claimed conditions, especially in relation to combat or environmental exposures.
5. Compensation and Pension (C&P) Exams: The VBA may schedule a C&P exam to assess the severity of the veteran's claimed conditions. This exam is conducted by a VA healthcare provider or a contracted physician who evaluates the veteran's medical status and provides an opinion on the connection between the veteran's service and their claimed conditions.
6. Statements in Support of Claim: The veteran can submit additional evidence in the form of statements in support of the claim. These can come from the veteran themselves, fellow service members, or family members who can attest to the veteran's condition and its impact on their daily life.
7. Non-VA Medical Treatment Notes: If applicable, the VBA will also consider non-VA medical treatment records. This includes any treatment received by the veteran from private healthcare providers, which may provide further evidence of the claimed conditions and their impact on the veteran's life.
8. Review of Evidence: Once all evidence has been gathered, VBA staff will review the entire claim file, including military service records, medical records, C&P exam results, and any supporting statements. This comprehensive review is essential in establishing service connection and determining eligibility for benefits.
9. Decision Making: After the review, the VBA will make a decision regarding the claim. This decision may involve approving the claim, denying it, or possibly requesting additional information if needed.
10. Notification: The veteran will receive a notification of the decision through a formal letter, which will outline the rationale for the decision and details regarding benefits awarded, if any. If the claim is denied, the letter will explain the reasons for the denial and inform the veteran of their right to appeal.
11. Appeal Process (if applicable): If the veteran disagrees with the decision, they have the right to appeal. This process may involve submitting additional evidence or requesting a hearing to present their case for reconsideration.

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The National Work Queue is an electronic workload management system that distributes veterans' disability claims to regional offices nationwide based on staff capacity.

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To move from one VHA catchment area to another, a Veteran must follow aseries of steps to ensure a smooth transition of care. The process generallyincludes the following: Notification of Change, Updating Contact Information,Request for Transfer of Care, Enrollment in the New Catchment Area. Onceenrolled, the Veteran should contact the new VHA facility to scheduleappointments with their new care team. It is advisable to do this as soon aspossible to minimize delays in receiving care.

This is not a VHA question. A VA outreach event is an initiativeorganized by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to connect with veterans,their families, and caregivers in the community. These events aim to provideinformation about the various services, benefits, and resources available toveterans, including healthcare, education, housing, and employment assistance. Theprimary audience includes veterans, their family members, and caregivers.However, anyone interested in learning more about veteran services, includingcommunity organizations, local government representatives, and advocates forveterans' issues, are also encouraged to participate.

1. Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA) - Aid and Attendance (A&A):
   The Aid and Attendance program is a supplemental benefit that provides financial assistance to eligible veterans and their surviving spouses who require aid with daily living activities. This benefit can help cover the costs of long-term care, whether in-home, assisted living, or nursing facilities. Veterans must meet specific criteria, including service-related disabilities, income limits, and need for assistance with daily activities, to qualify for this benefit.
2. Veterans Health Administration (VHA) Community Living Centers (CLC):
   The VHA operates Community Living Centers, which are skilled nursing facilities that provide a range of services to veterans requiring long-term care. These centers offer personalized care plans, rehabilitation services, and a home-like environment for residents. VHA CLCs are designed to support veterans with chronic illnesses, disabilities, and those recovering from surgery. Access to these facilities is typically determined based on clinical need and eligibility for VA health care services.
3. State Veterans Homes:
   In partnership with state governments, the VA supports State Veterans Homes, which are facilities that provide skilled nursing care, assisted living, and adult day health care specifically for veterans. These homes are often funded through a combination of federal and state resources and are designed to honor the service of veterans while offering them a supportive environment. Eligibility requirements may vary by state, but they generally require veterans to meet specific service and residency criteria.
4. Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS):
   The VA also emphasizes home and community-based services, allowing veterans to receive care in their own homes or within community settings rather than institutional settings. This can include home health care, respite care, and caregiver support programs. These services are intended to promote independence and improve the quality of life for veterans while ensuring they can remain in familiar environments.
5. Caregiver Support Programs:
   The VA provides various programs aimed at supporting family caregivers who assist veterans with long-term care needs. These programs offer resources, training, and financial assistance to help caregivers provide the best possible care while also taking care of their own well-being.

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1. Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA) - Aid and Attendance (A&A):
   The Aid and Attendance program is a supplemental benefit that provides financial assistance to eligible veterans and their surviving spouses who require aid with daily living activities. This benefit can help cover the costs of long-term care, whether in-home, assisted living, or nursing facilities. Veterans must meet specific criteria, including service-related disabilities, income limits, and need for assistance with daily activities, to qualify for this benefit.
2. Veterans Health Administration (VHA) Community Living Centers (CLC):
   The VHA operates Community Living Centers, which are skilled nursing facilities that provide a range of services to veterans requiring long-term care. These centers offer personalized care plans, rehabilitation services, and a home-like environment for residents. VHA CLCs are designed to support veterans with chronic illnesses, disabilities, and those recovering from surgery. Access to these facilities is typically determined based on clinical need and eligibility for VA health care services.
3. State Veterans Homes:
   In partnership with state governments, the VA supports State Veterans Homes, which are facilities that provide skilled nursing care, assisted living, and adult day health care specifically for veterans. These homes are often funded through a combination of federal and state resources and are designed to honor the service of veterans while offering them a supportive environment. Eligibility requirements may vary by state, but they generally require veterans to meet specific service and residency criteria.
4. Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS):
   The VA also emphasizes home and community-based services, allowing veterans to receive care in their own homes or within community settings rather than institutional settings. This can include home health care, respite care, and caregiver support programs. These services are intended to promote independence and improve the quality of life for veterans while ensuring they can remain in familiar environments.
5. Caregiver Support Programs:
   The VA provides various programs aimed at supporting family caregivers who assist veterans with long-term care needs. These programs offer resources, training, and financial assistance to help caregivers provide the best possible care while also taking care of their own well-being.

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When a veteran submits a benefits claim to the Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA), several steps are involved in the evaluation process before a decision is made. Here is an overview of the typical pathway:

1. Submission of Claim: The veteran begins by submitting a claim for benefits through the appropriate channels, which can be done online via the VA's website, through a veteran service organization, or by mailing a paper application.
2. Gathering Military Service Records: VBA will obtain the veteran's military service records, which include the service member's discharge papers (DD Form 214) and any pertinent documentation that outlines their service history, including deployments and any awards received.
3. Medical Records Review: The VBA will review the veteran's medical records, which include both service treatment records (STRs) and post-service medical records. This may also involve obtaining records from the Department of Defense (DoD) or from other sources if the veteran has received medical care outside of the VA system.
4. Unit Records: If the claim involves specific incidents or circumstances during service that led to the claim, unit records may be reviewed. These records help establish context for any claimed conditions, especially in relation to combat or environmental exposures.
5. Compensation and Pension (C&P) Exams: The VBA may schedule a C&P exam to assess the severity of the veteran's claimed conditions. This exam is conducted by a VA healthcare provider or a contracted physician who evaluates the veteran's medical status and provides an opinion on the connection between the veteran's service and their claimed conditions.
6. Statements in Support of Claim: The veteran can submit additional evidence in the form of statements in support of the claim. These can come from the veteran themselves, fellow service members, or family members who can attest to the veteran's condition and its impact on their daily life.
7. Non-VA Medical Treatment Notes: If applicable, the VBA will also consider non-VA medical treatment records. This includes any treatment received by the veteran from private healthcare providers, which may provide further evidence of the claimed conditions and their impact on the veteran's life.
8. Review of Evidence: Once all evidence has been gathered, VBA staff will review the entire claim file, including military service records, medical records, C&P exam results, and any supporting statements. This comprehensive review is essential in establishing service connection and determining eligibility for benefits.
9. Decision Making: After the review, the VBA will make a decision regarding the claim. This decision may involve approving the claim, denying it, or possibly requesting additional information if needed.
10. Notification: The veteran will receive a notification of the decision through a formal letter, which will outline the rationale for the decision and details regarding benefits awarded, if any. If the claim is denied, the letter will explain the reasons for the denial and inform the veteran of their right to appeal.
11. Appeal Process (if applicable): If the veteran disagrees with the decision, they have the right to appeal. This process may involve submitting additional evidence or requesting a hearing to present their case for reconsideration.

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There are severalinitiatives that have been implemented to enhance mental health counselingservices for veterans. These include:

• Expanded     Telehealth Services
• Increased Staffing
• Specialized Program
• Community Outreach
• Crisis Intervention Services
• Holistic Approaches

 These efforts reflect a commitment to improving access tomental health care for veterans and addressing the unique challenges they face.

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VA offers training sessions, webinars, and informational resources aimedat healthcare providers, social workers, and community organizations. VA hasestablished partnerships with various professional associations to promoteawareness of Veteran-specific services and to encourage civilian providers tobecome more involved in supporting Veterans in their communities.

The Prosthetic and Sensory Aids Service, often referred to asjust “Prosthetics”, administers several specialty programs such as:

The Automobile Adaptive Equipment program.  This program includes vehicle conversions andadaptive equipment for both drivers and passengers.  Applications are available through theVeterans Benefits Administration.  Onceapproved, Prosthetics administers the program.

The Home Improvement and Structural Alterationsbenefit.  The HISA benefit provideseligible beneficiaries with limited lifetime funds to use towards homeimprovements and structural alterations that originate from a medicalprescription.  These may include bathroommodifications, hardwood flooring, doorway widening, and access to kitchen orbathroom sinks or counters.

The Clothing Allowance benefit.  If one’s clothing has been damaged by aprosthetic or orthopedic device (such as a wheelchair or knee braces) or by themedicine one is taking for a skin condition, one may be able to get money eachyear to help buy new clothes. This is called an annual clothing allowance.  One must have a service-connected disabilityto get a clothing allowance.

Prosthetics also administers lesser known, yet equallyimportant programs such as Home Oxygen and the Veterinary HealthInsurance Benefit for service animals.

Prosthetics also provides durable medical equipment or DMEthat serves as a direct and active component of veterans’ medical treatment andrehabilitation.  This ranges from itemslike canes, wheelchairs, and custom insoles to our namesake, prosthetics orartificial limbs.  We make it easier forVeterans to get into the shower, to get upstairs, and to get into vehicles.

Most requests start with a conversation between a patient andtheir primary care provider.  

Our dedicated staff are available at two physical locationsin Fayetteville and at the Wilmington Health Care Center.  More information is available on theFayetteville Coastal Health Care and national VA websites.

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The Health Information Exchange (HIE) allows for the electronic sharingof medical records between VA and community providers. The effectiveness ofthese systems can vary based on location and provider participation. Its alwaysgood to request a copy of your medical records.

You can visit www.va.gov, use the benefits navigator tool, or contact the VA directly at 1800-827-1000. Local VSOs can offer guidance and support in navigating benefits.

The VA offers benefits based on your service history and needs, from health care to education and disability compensation. Check your VA benefits eligibility →

The portal currently connects Veterans with more than 70 partner organizations across the Cape Fear region, spanning community support, education, mental health, and employment services.

The Resource Portal is CFVRP's directory of partner organizations, organized into four categories: Community & Social, Academics & Training, Mental Health & Wellness, and Financial & Employment. You'll find it under Resources in the main menu.

Our resource portal is built for Veterans and their families in the Cape Fear region. Browse by category, or reach out through our Contact page if you're not sure where to start.

You'll need the event name, date and time, a description, your (or your organization's) contact info, and an event website if applicable. You can also flag which resource category your event supports — Community & Social, Academics & Training, Mental Health & Wellness, or Financial & Employment.

Head to the Calendar Events page and fill out the event submission form with your event name, date, time, and details. Our team reviews submissions before they go live.

Yes — every event page has an Add to Calendar button that downloads a file you can import into Google Calendar, Outlook, Apple Calendar, or any calendar app.

Visit the Calendar page to browse upcoming community events, meet-ups, and partner activities. Each event listing includes the date, time, location, and any RSVP or ticket links.

There's no cost to apply or be listed. If your organization's services aren't free for Veterans, we just ask you to briefly describe your pricing so Veterans know what to expect before they reach out.

Apply through the Portal Partnership page. We'll ask about your mission, how your services impact Veterans, and whether your services are free — plus a commitment to periodic review and timely responses to Veterans who reach out.

Reach out through our Contact page and let us know you're interested in sponsorship — our team will follow up with details and current opportunities.