Tom can be contacted at
(310) 268-3620
Monday, Tuesday, Thursday,
and Friday: 8:00am – 6:30pm
or email Thomas.Nishimura@va.gov

For enrollment and eligibility information, contact

Social Worker Tom Nishimura has often been referred to as the “Gandalf” of the VA (note the white beard), or “Tío Tomás” (Uncle Thomas). He has been a team player at the VA Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System for the past 17 years. As the Combat Veteran Care manager on the OIF/OEF Seamless Transition Team, Tom is one of the first people that the returning combat veterans meet when they enroll for VA services.

His mission is to ensure that the OIF/OEF combat veterans receive the services that they earned: “Our combat veterans have served our country and it is now the Department of Veterans Affairs turn to provide services for them,” Tom explains.

Raised in Boyle Heights, Los Angeles, Tom attended Loyola High School, the University of Oregon for his bachelor’s and USC for his Master’s in Social Work. He describes the VA as a giant team, consisting of many skilled players with various specialties, who have a unified mission of serving our veterans. Tom and the OIF/OEF Seamless Transition Team members try to personalize the VA system for the men and women who they meet, and ensure that the combat veterans receive appropriate services and quality care. Tom added, “Our combat veterans need someone they can call who will listen and assist with problem solving.” For GLA, that someone begins with Tom, who makes a promise to returning soldiers: “If I can’t solve the problem, I’ll get help from one of my OIF/OEF Seamless Transition teammates who can.” Tom’s teammates are not few: Patricia Epps, Janet Barrios, and Teresa Askew all aid combat veterans. As you enroll in the VA system, they will undoubtedly have an opportunity to serve you, as well.