So, How Do I Get Onto the VA eBenefits Site?
Iraq war veteran Dave Walker uses his computer. Carolyn Kaster/AP
By
Bob Brewin
The system seems designed to frustrate Vietnam vets.
That's what I asked Department of Veterans Affairs Chief Information Officer Stephen Warren at his media roundtable yesterday, as I have been frustrated for months as I try to get past the first screens on the eBenefits website intended to make it easier and quicker for vets for apply for benefits and VA to process the claims.
The eBenefits site seems designed to frustrate Vietnam veterans who do not have a CAC, short for Common Access Card, or a Defense self-service log-on, known as a DS log-on.
Here’s the screen users see when they try to register:
Since none of the above applies to me, I can go no further in the registration process. There’s a phone number to call for help from a live human -- if one ever answered the phone.
I’m a pretty good Web surfer, and I doubt I'm the only Vietnam veteran frustrated by the eBenefits website.
Warren said he’ll have someone walk me through the process – which I can then share with other veterans who do not have CACs or a DS log-on.