VETERANS · ISSUE 1 OF 3
VA Access & Information Gaps
What it is
The federal VA owes veterans their earned care. But accessing it requires knowing it exists, knowing how to navigate a complex system, and often leaving the Nation to get it. Donovan Begay described leaving for California to access benefits he didn’t know were available on the reservation. He found out from a stranger on a beach. "People there started telling me that this is what you’re eligible for." The information gap is the barrier as much as the distance.
Two separate systems: The federal VA covers healthcare and benefits earned through military service. The Navajo Nation Veterans Administration (NNVA) is the Nation’s own office. Never mix them up — they have separate doors, separate programs, and separate accountability chains.
Learn
Understand the system — then consult an expert
Veterans 101 — what the Nation itself runs for veterans vs. what is the federal government’s job. Do not mix the two systems.
Getting Legal Help — includes veteran benefits navigation resources.
Consult an expert: Ask about VA access for Navajo veterans →
Plan & Assess
Where candidates stand — weigh it yourself
Veterans — candidates side by side — what each candidate proposed for VA access and information outreach.
They came home to a waiting list — the full record with verbatim quotes.
Ask any candidate: What specific plan do you have to reach veterans who don’t know what they’re eligible for? Full list →
Act
What you can do now
Find your benefits: The federal VA has a dedicated Native American Veterans page. Contact a VA benefits counselor through the nearest VA medical center.
Get help navigating: Getting legal and benefits help → · Disability 101 →
Share what you know: If you found a door that worked, tell us →
Report & Monitor
Track progress — hold the right office accountable
What should be public: The number of veterans in each chapter, how many are receiving VA benefits, and the NNVA’s outreach record. What should be public →
Track: Veterans survey → · Community Findings → · Share what you observe →