Women Veterans

Access.Benefits.Resources

For Colorado Women Veterans

Providing access to the benefits and resources you are entitled to

Women Veterans Benefits

Learn What The VA Can Do for You

The Federal VA recently released their Veterans Welcome Kit where it explains how the VA can support you throughout your life and help you access benefits and services you deserve. It covers your benefits, eligibility, disability rating, emergency resources and provides checklists and quick start guides for accessing key VA benefits and services. To view the VA Welcome Kit Please click the link below.

Veterans Welcome Kit (View or Download)

Military Veteran Criteria

Title 38 of the Code of Federal Regulations defines a veteran as, "a person who served in the active military, naval, or air service and who was discharged or released under conditions other than dishonorable.

Women Veterans Residing in Colorado

The number of Women Veterans for the State of Colorado is 44,661.

Eligibility for State and Federal Benefits

There are many women in our community who do not realize they are veterans. There is a misconception that only males, certain branches of the military, war time veterans, or wounded veterans are entitled to state or federal benefits. All veterans who received an honorable discharge may be eligible for benefits depending on his or her unique situation.

In some cases, a veteran may have received a dishonorable, uncharacterized, or bad conduct discharge. In those cases, the VA will make a determination as to whether or not the service was honorable for VA purposes. If that occurs, a veteran may still be eligible for benefits. It is important to note, veterans who received a dishonorable discharge because of sexual orientation or during the Vietnam Era due to Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) may be eligible for benefits and an upgrade in their character of service.

Potential State and Federal Benefits

  • Compensation and Pension
  • Education and Training
  • Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment
  • Healthcare and Mental Health Services
  • Property Tax Exemption
  • Home Loans
  • Insurance
  • Burial and Memorial Services

Assistance with Obtaining Benefits

A trained Veteran Service Officer (VSO) can be your advocate, and assist you and your family with obtaining the benefits you are entitled to. Please visit our County Veterans Service Offices web page to find the VSO nearest you or contact Jaclyn Murrietta at, 303-284-6077.

VSO Benefits Assistance at the Bill Daniels Veteran Service Center/VA CRRC

Every Tuesday there is a SVSO from the CO-DMVA who can assist you with obtaining benefits that you might be eligible for.

Manage VA Benefits Online

The Department of Veterans Affairs and the DOD created a website to help you manage your benefits. Please visit the eBenefits web page to learn more.

Native American Women Veterans in Colorado

About VA's Office of Tribal Government Relations (OTGR)

The OTGR team works to strengthen and build closer relations between the VA, tribal governments and other key federal, state, private and non-profit partners in an effort to effectively and respectfully serve Veterans across Indian Country. This work is done in the spirit of government to government consultation and collaboration, respectful of the special relationship that exists between the United States and tribal governments.

Our efforts focus on three important goals: facilitating VA's Tribal Consultation Policy, facilitating increased access to health care and promoting economic sustainability (highlighting opportunities for Veterans to access fiscal, educational, housing and other special programs and benefits through the VA).

We bring key partners to the table to address important issues raised by tribal leaders. Linking decision makers and stake holders to tribal leadership ensures Indian Country's Veterans know who we at VA are, what VA offers Veterans and how to reach VA to ensure access to the full range of services and benefits our Veterans have courageously earned through their service.

Homana Pawiki
Office of Tribal Government Relations Specialist
(Arizona, Colorado, New Mexico, Utah)
Email: LoRae.Pawiki@va.gov
Phone: 928-445-4860 x5306

VA Health Care

Comprehensive Medical Services are available to Women Veterans:

  • Health promotion and disease prevention
  • Primary care
  • Women's gender-specific care (HRT, breast and gynecology, maternity)
  • Substance abuse
  • Mental health
  • Domiciliary
  • Rehabilitation and long-term care
  • Maternity

Enroll to Receive Gender-Specific Services Including Pap Smear, Mammography, Prenatal and Child Care

All veterans are encouraged to enroll in the VA Health Care System. You have several options to gain access to VA Health Care. Your VSO can assist you with obtaining the 10-10EZ, Application for Health Benefits, you can bring your DD214 to the nearest CBOC/VA hospital, or you can enroll online.

For more information on enrollment call 1-877-222-VETS.

VA Prosthetic and Sensory Aids Services (PSAS) available for Women Veterans

VA Prosthetic and Sensory Aids Service (PSAS), the VA Center for Women Veterans, and VHA Women Health Services collaborate closely to address the unique needs of women Veterans and provide the most comprehensive and advanced prosthetic devices, sensory aids, and associated services in the world. The term prosthetic includes any medical device that supports or replaces loss of a body part or function. Any specialized, medically indicated item that is commercially available may be procured based on the Veteran's individualized needs, including customized devices such as bracing, artificial limbs and orthotic items, and wheelchairs. PSAS provides comprehensive support to optimize the health and independence of all Veterans, regardless of gender.

PSAS specifically supports women Veterans providing them the highest level of service and items to meet their unique needs, e.g., Breast Pumps, Nursing Bras, Post Mastectomy Items, Wigs for Alopecia, Long Acting Reversible Contraception (e.g. Intrauterine Devices), Maternity Support Belts Items, Vaginal Dilators, etc.

Learn More about my VA Women's Health Benefits

Women Veterans Call Center
1-855-VA-WOMEN

Women Veteran Program Manager's for VA Health Care in Colorado

Eastern Colorado VA Health Care System
Rosemarie Stauffer, LCSW - MST Coordinator
Phone: 720-723-7390
Address: 1700 N Wheeling St, Aurora CO 80045
Website: https://www.va.gov/eastern-colorado-health-care

Grand Junction Veterans Health Care System
Pamela Schultz, RN-BC - Women Veterans Program Manager
Phone: 970-263-2800 Ext. 2508
Email: Pamela.schultz1@va.gov
Address: 2121 North Avenue, Grand Junction, CO 81501
Website: https://www.grandjunction.va.gov

Schedule a Medical Appointment

Denver: 303-399-8020

Grand Junction: 970-242-0731

Colorado Springs: 719-327-5660

Pueblo: 719-553-1000

If you are already enrolled as a Denver Women's Clinic patient call 303-399-8020 x 3880.

Inpatient Psychiatric Care

Contact your VA primary care provider or the local VA mental health program office for assistance. If you are already receiving care from a counselor/provider consult with him/her.

Denver VA Mental Health Clinic
303-399-8020 Ext. 2835

Grand Junction
970-242-0731 Ext.2824

Who to Call if You are Experiencing a Crisis

Veterans Crisis Hotline 1-800-273-8255

VA Services for Military and Sexual Trauma Banner and hyperlink to Federal VA Military Sexual Trauma web page

Treatment for Conditions Related to Sexual Assault or Sexual Harassment While in the Military

You may be eligible for Military Sexual Trauma (MST) related care. Every VA facility provides free care for mental and physical health conditions related to MST. Veterans do not need a service-connected disability to seek assistance for their MST related issues. Further, Veterans do not need to have reported such incidents to the DOD or possess documentation or records to support their assertion of trauma. Veterans also do not need to be enrolled in VA health care as the treatment for MST is independent of VA's general treatment authority. To receive care, ask your VA provider for a referral to MST services.

Readjustment Counseling for Women Veterans

The VA offers women Veterans choices for help in readjusting. Please visit the VA My Health When Women Veterans Return Home web page to learn more.

MST Coordinator for the VA Eastern Health Care System

Dr. Katherine Dahm
Katherine.dahm@va.gov

MST Coordinator for the Grand Junction Veterans Health Care System

Mary McDonald, LCSW
Daytime Phone: 970-263-2824 or 970-263-2816
After Hours Phone: 970-263-2800 Ext. 2346 (Leave a message)

Disability Compensation for MST

Please read the Military Sexual TraumaDisability Compensation for Conditions Related to MST document to learn more about compensation you may be eligible for.

Women Veteran Groups at Rocky Mountain Regional VA and Golden Clinic

Women's Wellness Group
Dr. Shelby Scott
Phone: 720-723-6877

Women's PTSD Group
Dr. Shelby Scott
Phone: 720-723-6877

Women's Depression and Anxiety Group
Dr. Shelby Scott
Phone: 720-723-6877

Female Vet to Vet Group
Dr. Shelby Scott
Phone: 720-723-6877

Woman Veteran Chronic Pain Group
Dr. Dominika Borowa
Phone: 720-723-3165

Women's Yoga (All Levels)
Address: VA Golden 2nd Floor Conf Rm (Michelle-Maura Observe), 1020 Johnson Rd., Golden, CO 80401
Phone: https://www.comebackyoga.org/calendar

Vietnam Veterans with a Child who has a Birth Defects

Children born to women Veterans who served in Vietnam may be eligible for monthly monetary benefits, medical care, and vocational training if they have certain birth defects linked to their mother's service. Contact your Veterans Service Officer for more information.

Access VA Health Records Online

You have a way to access your VA Health records online. Depending on your access level, you might have the ability to refill prescriptions online. To learn more please visit the VA My health web page.

VA Dental Care

Dental Benefits for Veterans

If you qualify for VA dental care benefits, you may be able to get some or all of your dental care through VA. To find out how to get VA dental care or how to buy dental insurance if you don't qualify Please visit the VA dental care web page.

VA Dental Insurance Program (VADIP)

Multiple plan options allow individuals to select a plan that provides benefits and premiums that meet their dental needs and budget. You may click each insurer's link for specific information regarding registration, rates and services, or call Delta Dental at 1-855-370-3303 or MetLife at 1-888-310-1681.

VA Dental Insurance Program (VADIP)Fact Page

Transitional Shelters and Resources

Transitional Shelters available for Women Veterans

Volunteers of America: Women Veterans Program
Volunteers of America Women Veterans Services Programs serve Veterans experiencing homelessness through emergency services and transitional housing. In partnership with the Department of Veterans Affairs, Volunteers of America assists Veterans in obtaining the support and services they need to exit homelessness permanently. The program assists women Veterans and their children for up to 24 months with supportive housing, case management, and resources with the goal of helping each client secure a permanent and sustainable housing situation. During their time in the program, Volunteers of America houses participants at the Volunteers of America Family Motel or Clermont Commons, three beautiful five-bedroom transitional homes in Denver for women Veterans and their children. For more information, please leave a message with your contact information on the referral line at 720-501-3369.

Phone: 720-501-3369
Website: https://www.voacolorado.org/gethelp-denvermetro-veterans-womenveterans

Comitis Crisis Center: Transitional VA shelter
For veterans and their families as they gain self-sufficiency

  • For single female veterans and male/female veterans with families
  • Meals, hygiene items and seasonal clothing available
  • Case management and financial literacy classes

Phone: 303-341-9160
Website: https://www.comitiscrisiscenter.org/comitis-crisis-center

The Delores Project: Emergency Shelter with Basic Services
The Delores Project welcomes unaccompanied Women and Transgender Individuals
Emergency shelter number: 303-534-5411 (at 5:30 pm daily)
First time quests may also call on Mondays at 10:00 am
Returning guests may also call on Mondays at 11:30 am

Website: https://www.thedeloresproject.org/

Colorado Coalition for the Homeless: Help for Homeless Veterans
BJ Iacino
Phone: 303-285-5223
Email: biacino@coloradocoalition.org

Emergency Assistance with Payment of my Utility Bills, Rent, Mortgage, Etc.

Many local churches, Veterans organizations, and community organizations may be able to assist veterans in need. In Denver:

  • Denver Human Services 720-944-2900
  • American Red Cross Denver 303-722-7474
  • Denver Rescue Mission 303-294-0157
  • Samaritan House Veteran Program 303-996-6057
  • Colorado Housing and Finance Authority 1-800-877-2432
  • Catholic Charities 303-742-0828
  • The Home Front Cares, Inc. 719-434-1501
  • American Military Family, Inc. 303-746-8195
  • Operation Homefront Rocky Mountains 866-333-2750

Homeless or at Risk of Becoming Homeless

VA Homeless Veterans Hotline
Phone: 1-877-4AID-VET (877-424-3838)

Rocky Mountain Human Services
Website: https://www.rmhumanservices.org/hav
Phone: 303-636-5600

Family Tree Back Home - Supportive Services for Veteran Families
Website: https://www.thefamilytree.org/
Phone: 303-467-2604

Additional Resources

Mountain Resource Center
Mountain Resource Center serves community members in the foothills west of Denver through basic needs assistance (rent/utilities/gas cards), a food pantry, workforce services, financial coaching, public benefits enrollment, parenting and early childhood classes, and more. The Veteran Support Services program provides access to all agency services plus support navigating the VA system, dedicated financial assistance for Veterans, and community events.

Eligibility: All services are open to community members within the Mountain Resource Center Service Area (western Jefferson County and eastern Park County - call for details), Veteran-specific financial assistance requires valid identification and DD 214 (subject to funding availability).

Phone: 303-838-7552
Website: https://www.mrcco.org/
Address: 11030 Kitty Drive (PO Box 425), Conifer, CO 80433

Help Heal Veterans
Help Heal Veterans provides therapeutic craft kits to Veterans at no charge.

Eligibility: Proof of Veteran Status.

Phone: 970-424-0499
Email: grandjunction@healvets.org
Address: 2500 North Ave, Grand Junction, CO 81501

Operation Revamp, Inc.
Veterans Art Center provides supplies, equipment, studios, and training on-site for Veterans and Families at no charge.

Eligibility: Veteran or family member of Veteran.

Phone: 970-462-3126
Email: info@operationrevamp.org
Website: https://operationrevamp.org/
Address: 307 S 12th St, Grand Junction, CO 81501

Operation EQUINE
Equine Assisted Psychotherapy, Learning, and Coaching for Military Service Members, Veterans, First Responders and their families, caregivers, and supporters.

Eligibility: Active Military Service Member, Veteran, First Responder, or any of their family members, caregivers, or supporters

Phone: 303-506-9920
Website: https://operationequine.com/
Address: 1990 W 150th Ave, Broomfield, CO 80223

Medicine Horse
Medicine Horse offers free/donation-based Equine Assisted Psychotherapy and learning sessions to enhance the mental health of individuals, couples, children & teens, families, and groups. The groups offered include veterans & active service members, people in recovery from substance abuse, people with disabilities, the LBGTQ+ population, women impacted by breast cancer, trauma & abuse survivors, children with autism, under-served youth, and more.

Website: https://www.medicinehorse.org/
Contact Web Page: https://www.medicinehorse.org/contact
Address: 9143 Valmont Road, Boulder, CO, 80301

Center for Independence
Free program for people with disabilities to help with disability benefits, vocational training and placement, assistive technology, housing location and applications, youth with disabilities transition into adult services and supports, peer mentoring, advocacy, low-vision and deaf services, computer training lab, information and referrals to other human service providers

Eligibility: Must be a person with a disability willing to participate in their own recovery or goals for self sufficiency

Phone: 970-241-0315
Contact Web Page: https://cfigj.org/contact/
Address: 740 Gunnison Ave, Grand Junction, CO 81501

Peak Military Care Network
Peak Military Care Network (PMCN) connects our community's military service members, veterans and their families to the highest quality resources provided by our trusted community partners. Service members, veterans and family members are able to receive help from PMCN by phone, online or in person.

Phone: 719-577-7417
Address: 1257 Lake Plaza Drive Suite #220, Colorado Springs, CO 80906

Cancer Cache Thrift and Gift Shoppe
Cancer Cache Thrift &, Gift Shoppe is a not-for-profit private charity that provides free hats, wigs, scarves, selected prosthetics, and ambulatory medical equipment to cancer patients.

Address: 11528 W. Colfax, Lakewood, CO 80215
Phone: 720-277-5508
Email: support@cancercache.com

Reboot Alliance
The REBOOT Alliance exists to help veterans, first responders and their families heal from the moral and spiritual wounds associated with line of duty stress and trauma. We do this through groundbreaking trauma healing courses-REBOOT Combat Recovery and Firstline, which provide a unique blend of clinical insight with Christian faith-based support. Our courses are private and peer led, inclusive of the entire family, and offered at no cost to participants.

Website: https://rebootalliance.com/

Employment

Dress for Success (Denver)

The mission of Dress for Success is to empower women to achieve economic independence by providing a network of support, professional attire and the development tools to help women thrive in work and in life.

Phone: 303-832-1889
Website: https://denver.dressforsuccess.org

VA Vocational Assistance

This program is for participants who are not Compensated Work Therapy clients, rather they are veterans who require assistance to better facilitate their own job search.

Programs include:

  • Job Club: Meets the 3rd Thursday monthly (except December) between 9-11 in Building C. Veterans meet with employers who are currently hiring, network with others, learn about veterans employment services available through local workforce centers, and meet with local veteran employment specialists
  • Computer Lab: meets Wednesdays (1-3) and Thursday (2-4) at the Vet Center providing basic computer and internet skills, resume writing, and provides internet access for online job searches.
  • One-on-One Assistance: Provides short-term assistance with resumes and applications, interviewing skills, job search strategies and job referrals. Available by appointment only.

Legal Services

Legal Aid and Pro Bono Services in Colorado

The American Bar Association\'s Center for Pro Bono provides technical assistance and planning advice to a wide range of constituents in the field, including bar associations, pro bono programs, legal services offices, bar leaders, law schools, corporate counsel, judges and government attorneys.

To find out more please visit their Center for Pro Bono web page.

Denver Bar Association
Website: https://www.denbar.org/
Phone: 303-860-1115

Colorado Legal Services (Legal help for low-income Coloradans)
Website: https://www.coloradolegalservices.org/
Phone: 303-837-1321

Vet Centers in Colorado

Boulder
Phone: 303-440-7306 Or 303-440-7306
Address: 4999 Pearl East Circle, Suite 106 Boulder, CO 80301

Colorado Springs
Phone: 719-471-9992
Address: 602 S Nevada Ave, Colorado Springs, CO 80903

Denver
Phone: 303-326-0645
Address: 7465 E 1st Ave #B, Denver, CO 80230

Fort Collins
Phone: 970-221-5176
Address: 702 W Drake, Bldg C, Fort Collins, CO 80526

Grand Junction
Phone: 970-245-4156
Address: 2472 F Road #16, Grand Junction, CO 81505

Federal VA
Phone: 877-WAR-VETS (877-927-8387)
Website: https://www.vetcenter.va.gov

Eligibility: Deployment to a combat theatre OR military sexual trauma OR loved one of a service member that passed away while serving. All discharges. No Enrollment in the VA is necessary. All services are free of cost and are strictly confidential.

Colorado Women Veterans Organizations

 

Women Veterans of Colorado Facebook Icon with hyperlink to Women Veterans of Colorado facebook pageTwitterInstagram

American Legion Post 206 (Female Post) Facebook icon with link to American Legion Post 206 (Female Post) favebook page

Women Marines Association, Colorado Columbine - WM History Chapter CO-1 Facebook icon with link to Women Marines Association, Colorado Columbine - WM History Chapter CO-1 facebook page

Women's Army Corps Veterans' Association Facebook icon with link to Women's Army Corps Veterans' Association facebook page

Women Veterans of the Colorado San Luis Valley Facebook icon with link to Women Veterans of the Colorado San Luis Valley facebook page

National Women Veterans Organizations

WomenVetsUSA connects women with military service to resources promoting lifelong well-being and self-sufficiency.

Please visit their Organizations & Sites web page to view a list of women veterans organizations and sites.