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Select VA Clinics Reopen for Non-Coronavirus Care
The Department of Veterans Affairs has begun to implement a “phased approach” to resuming regular VA healthcare by offering non-emergency services at 20 VA medical centers across the country. According to an article published by Military Times, “Fourteen of the 20 of the sites reopening operations have at least one patient still actively receiving treatment…
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Advocates Say Veterans Exposed to Burn Pits Need Health Care, Not Lists
Recently the Department of Veterans Affairs announced that more than 200,000 people were registered on the Airborne Hazards and Open Burn Pit Registry. Advocacy groups responded by saying that veterans exposed to airborne toxins need improved health care, not extensive lists. According to Stars and Stripes, “The military used burn pits as waste disposal sites on bases primarily in…
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Veterans Advocates Worry VA Will Not Keep Up With Mental Health Demands
A new campaign was recently launched by the Department of Veterans Affairs called the “Now is the Time” campaign aimed at informing veterans and their loved ones of the mental health resources that are available to them. However, some veterans advocacy groups have voiced concern that the VA will not be able to keep up with the…
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Veterans with Burn Pit Exposure Warned of Additional Coronavirus Health Risks
Officials are warning veterans exposed to burn pits that they are at greater risk for respiratory complications related to the coronavirus outbreak. Sens. Mike Rounds, R-S.D., and Amy Klobuchar, D-Minn., sent a letter to VA officials requesting a more comprehensive virus response for the more than 200,000 persons listed on the Airborne Hazards and Open Burn Pit…
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Last Day for Benefit Recipients to Register Dependents for Coronavirus Stimulus Checks
Today is the deadline for all SSI and veterans benefits recipients to register to receive a $500 Coronavirus stimulus check for dependents this year. According to an article published by Military Times, “Payments, which can total $1,200 per individual and $500 per dependent.” Department of Veterans Affairs officials have also recently published several reminders to…
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VA Agrees to Study K2 Health Effects
On Monday, Congress was officially notified that the Department of Veterans Affairs has agreed to study the health effects and impact of exposure to toxic substances on service members who served at a base in Uzbekistan after the 9/11 attacks. According to an article published by Stars and Stripes, “The commitment to study the health effects on…
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IRS Extends Deadline for Benefits Recipients Stimulus Checks for Children
The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) recently announced a deadline extension to May 5 for individuals currently receiving Social Security or veterans benefits to inform the agency of any children eligible for a $500 stimulus payment this year. According to an article published by Military Times, the IRS is planning on “launching a more formal public education campaign…
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Lawmakers Urge VA Secretary to Reconsider Benefits Process Updates
Updates to the Department of Veterans Affairs claims process scheduled to begin on April 24 has raised concerns with lawmakers and advocacy groups as these updates will not only result in additional delays and but also cause confusion amongst veterans. According to an article published by Stars and Stripes, “The VA is ending a decades-old practice…
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Veterans Encouraged to Fill Out Stimulus Payment Form ASAP
All veterans that receive disability or pension benefits from the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and didn’t file taxes in 2018 and 2019 are strongly encouraged to fill out a form for stimulus payment via the Internal Revenue Services website as soon as possible. When it was first announced by the VA, veterans were told…
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Veterans Can Rest Assured That Benefits Will Continue to be Processed
The PA Department of Military and Veterans Affairs (DMVA) is reassuring veterans that state and federal benefits are still being processed during the COVID-19 pandemic. The DMVA is working with the Department of Veterans Affairs to provide veterans with information remotely about benefits and will continue to attend to all other needs during this time.…
