During my military career, I stood in formation during many – too many – change of command ceremonies, passing the guidon between commanders.

That’s what I’m about to do today: Pass control of this column, albeit just this one time, to my colleague, U.S. Marine Corps Veteran Jesus Flores. Jesus has some valuable insights to share about the VA: Health and Benefits App that changed his experience, and I want you to read about it.

As my fellow sailors might say, “Jesus, you have the conn.”

The days of enduring endless elevator music while on hold and making long drives to your VA medical center to refill prescriptions or simply confirm an appointment are a thing of the past, thanks to the convenience of the VA: Health and Benefits App.

As a Veteran, this digital marvel transformed how I interact with VA. It’s become essential in managing my VA health care and benefits.

In fact, I don’t remember VA before the VA: Health and Benefits App. It sometimes feels like a VA office, right here, in my pocket, always ready to serve.

Your VA care team at your fingertips

Remember the frustration of trying to reach your doctor over the phone? I don’t. I haven’t talked to my VA doctor over the phone since 2021. Those days are long gone.

Today, I can fire off a secure message to my VA care team in seconds on an interface as familiar as my favorite social media app. It’s as easy as texting a friend but with the power to manage my health care.

Just last Monday morning, I reached out to my care team and received my doctor’s response by lunchtime. With over 500,000 secure messages zipping through the app each month, it’s clear I’m not the only Veteran embracing this digital tool.

However, avoid using secure messages in emergencies. Secure messaging is intended for non-urgent, non-emergency communication only. If you are in crisis, call 911, 988 (then Press 1) or go to the nearest emergency room.

Kick pharmacy runs to the curb

Also gone are the days of standing in the VA medical center’s pharmacy line waiting to get my number called. With the app, refilling my meds is as simple as ordering takeout. With a few taps, I can request refills and track their delivery right to my door.

When you order medication refills through the app, your meds are mailed to your address on file.

Last month, I realized I was running low on meds before my daughter’s soccer game. I didn’t panic. I just pulled out my phone, opened the app and a few taps later, a refill was on its way to my house before we got her shin guards on. With over 500,000 prescriptions refilled monthly through the app, it’s a game-changer.

If you need one reason to download the app, this is that reason. It will save you time, unnecessary headaches and pharmacy runs.

Appointments managed with military precision

The app’s appointment feature is like having a personal secretary, helping you easily view, cancel or add appointments to your phone’s calendar. No more fumbling with paper reminders on the fridge door or missing important check-ups because you can’t find the reminder in the stack of old mail and unopened boxes sitting by the front door.

I recently needed to reschedule an upcoming appointment. Once I got the new appointment, I added it to my phone’s calendar—with reminders—with just one tap from within the app. That kind of efficiency would make your drill instructor proud.

Once it’s on your calendar, you can easily share it with your caregiver, spouse or family on their calendars.

Claims and appeals status updates at lightning speed

Remember when checking the status of your claim was a test of patience? It wasn’t very user-friendly, from getting stuck in never-ending phone loops to navigating various web pages just trying to log in.

Now, it’s instant.

The app provides real-time updates on claims and appeals, giving you peace of mind with just a look at your screen.

From first-hand experience, they are incredibly accurate, and any changes in your benefits are immediately reflected in the app. Veterans have checked their claims over 45 million times through the app—that’s 45 million moments of clarity.

Proof of service in your pocket

The app’s one-touch Proof of Veteran Status feature is like having a digital DD-214. I often use my Veterans discount at the hardware store, and now I can verify my Veteran status in seconds. This feature is secure and convenient, so I don’t have to carry sensitive documents around.

The future of VA services

Download the VA: Health and Benefits app, your new battle buddy for navigating your VA health care and benefits, and let it change how you interact with VA by going to: https://mobile.va.gov/app/va-health-and-benefits.

Thanks for allowing me – and Jesus – to walk alongside you behind friendly lines.

Victory!

Jason T. Strickland, Lieutenant Colonel (U.S. Army Retired), is the chief communications officer at the VA Rocky Mountain Network Email: [email protected].