MOAA’s work to protect your benefits goes beyond improving existing DoD and VA programs – in some cases, it’s a matter of introducing beneficiaries to the care, services, and resources they may not know they’ve earned.

One key example: There are 2 million women veterans in the U.S., but less than half of them use VA benefits. It’s the fastest-growing population in the VA system, and without wider education, hundreds of thousands of veterans may remain unaware of ways to improve their physical and mental health through established VA programs. VA Secretary Doug Collins has encouraged veterans groups like MOAA to help bring these veterans into the VA fold.

How can we be sure those programs remain tailored to this growing population, offering the right types of care for women veterans of all ages? Only through outreach – by connecting with veterans themselves and finding out how best to meet their needs.

[RELATED: Women Veterans Forum Ends Women’s History Month With a Call to Action]

That’s why MOAA hopes to engage its members, and their networks, in supporting a Government Accountability Office (GAO) survey on VA menopausal care. The anonymous survey runs through June 15, will take less than seven minutes to complete, and is open to all women veterans who:

• Are between 35 and 64 years old.
• Are enrolled at a VA medical center (VAMC).
• Have accessed care at a VAMC or via a VA community care provider in the last 24 months.

Results from this survey will be used to compile a GAO public report which will help inform VA officials on the needs of this growing segment of veterans. It will also help other stakeholders like MOAA, which can use the findings as part of ongoing advocacy efforts to ensure the type of care provided by the VA matches the care required by those who’ve earned it.

If you are eligible to complete the survey, please take a few minutes to do so. If not, consider sharing the survey link with your personal and professional networks. Survey-takers with questions can contact GAO directly via email at VAMenopauseSurvey@gao.gov.

Your efforts help MOAA make certain that no veteran is invisible. Help us spread the word today.