Suggested updates to the Department of Veterans Affairs disability ratings system will likely result in decreased payouts for veterans with sleep apnea and tinnitus, but increased payouts for veterans with mental illnesses like PTSD and depression. According to an article published by MillitaryTimes, “The changes are part of a months-long review of the department’s Schedule…
Recently lawmakers have strongly supported the goal of providing increased care and benefits for veterans with service-related toxic exposure. However, the projected cost of this is proving to be a hurdle to moving these efforts forward. According to an article published by Military Times, during a House Veterans’ Affairs Committee roundtable on the topic on…
Although veterans advocates made significant progress last year to get burn pit victims their benefits, they are continuing to fight for even more this year. According to an article published by MilitaryTimes.com, “The issue of toxic exposure injuries for veterans has been a point of emphasis for outside organizations for years. This past year, advocates…
A new analysis issued this week by the Congressional Budget Office outlined that congressional plans to drastically increase disability payments for military hazardous exposure victims may cost about $85 billion in the next five years and more than $280 billion over the next decade. According to an article published by Military Times, “The hefty price…
After years of lobbying, a new benefit has finally been approved for veterans affected by the smoke emited from burn pits. According to an article published by Federal News Network, “The Veterans Benefits Administration is about to start paying disability benefits for those exposed to fumes from burn pits in the Middle East as far…
I have always been a big fan of family doctors. It is the family doctor who gives us our flu shots and generally keeps us well. Sometimes it is our family doctor who yells at us when we do not keep our cholesterol or weight where it should be. But it is the family doctor…
This week, Sen. Jon Tester, D-Mont., released an extensive plan to extend disability benefits to all veterans who are affected by toxic exposure. According to an article published by Stars and Stripes, “The legislation, titled the Comprehensive and Overdue Support for Troops of War Act of 2021, would create a fast track to Department of…
The VA is reviewing about 60,000 claims from Vietnam War veterans with service-related exposure to Agent Orange. Some of these cases could be eligible for retroactive compensation. According to an article published by Stripes.com, “These former sailors served aboard ships in the open waters off the coast of Vietnam and have long contended they were…
This week, Rep. Elaine Luria, D-Norfolk introduced legislation to grant disability and health care benefits for veterans who served in the Middle East, Africa, and the Philippines. These vets have been struggling for years to get the benefits they are entitled to. According to an article published by Daily Press, “It is the first legislation…
Right now, the deadline for Gulf War veterans to apply for benefits for service-connected illnesses is December 31, 2021, however, VA officials have stated that they are working on an extension. According to an article published by ConnectingVets.com, “The deadline has continued to be pushed back in recent years. In 2016, the deadline was pushed…
