-
Benefits for Veteran Burn Pit Victims Expands
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…
-
When and Why to See Your Doctor – Advice from Michael J. Brown, Esq.
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…
-
New Disability Benefits Plan Unveiled for Veterans with Toxic Exposure
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…
-
Thousands of ‘Blue Water’ Navy Claims Reviewed for Retroactive Compensation
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…
-
New Legislation Introduced for Veterans Who Served in the Middle East, Africa, and the Philippines
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…
-
Disability Benefits Deadline for Gulf War Veterans to be Extended
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…
-
VA Disease Research Continues to Attempt to Prove Toxic Exposure for Sick Veterans
In an attempt to be proactive, disease researchers at the Department of Veterans Affairs began planning for war-related illnesses soon after 9/11. According to an article published by Stripes.com, “[Chief] VA research officer Rachel Ramoni said the agency’s focus is two-pronged: to identify what made the veterans ill and to improve their health situation now…As…
-
New Biden Infrastructure Plan Gives $18 Billion for VA Hospital Upgrades
An ambitious $2 trillion infrastructure plan by President Joe Biden (also known as the American Jobs Plan) has assigned $18 billion for improvements to Veterans Affairs medical centers. The aim of the package is to generate millions of employment opportunities and to rebuild the country’s infrastructure. According to an article published by MilitaryTimes.com, “Along with major…
-
Backlog of C&P Exams Worsened by Pandemic
The backlog of compensation and pension exam requests has only been worsened by the pandemic, leaving hundreds of thousands of veterans waiting. According to an article published by Stars and Stripes, “The exams are a crucial part of the process to determine whether veterans are eligible for the Department of Veterans Affairs benefits. The department…
-
Veteran with Severe Lung Damage from Burn Pits Denied Benefits
Bill Thompson, a retired Army staff sergeant who has severe lung damage as a result of inhaling toxic fumes from burn pits, has been denied full disability benefits. According to an article published by Stars and Stripes, “The lungs Bill Thompson was born with told a gruesome, harrowing and unmistakable tale to Dr. Anthony Szema…
