-
USPS Plans to Halt Cost-Cutting Initiatives in Response to Public Outcry
In response to strong opposition from veterans advocacy organizations and the public, the U.S. Postal Service has announced that it will pause on implementing cost-cutting initiatives such as reducing staff hours and removing high-volume mail-processing machines. According to an article published by MilitaryTimes.com, Postmaster General Louis DeJoy released a statement on Tuesday that said, “To…
-
Long Delays for Veterans with Mail-Order Medications
Veterans that rely on the U.S Postal Service for mail-order medications are experiencing long delays after recent changes made to the service including cutting staff hours and removing high-volume mail-processing machines. According to an article published by Stars and Stripes, “Changes have also prompted concern among veterans and lawmakers about delays for mail-order prescriptions and…
-
Housing Improvement Act for Disabled Veterans Signed into Law
A bill that would increase funding and access to a program that allows disabled veterans to modify their homes was recently signed into law. According to an article published by Stars and Stripes, “The Ryan Kules and Paul Benne Specially Adaptive Housing Improvement Act of 2019, H.R. 3504, updates a Department of Veterans Affairs program…
-
New Act Introduced Would Expand Healthcare to Veterans with Toxic Exposure
New legislation has been introduced by Sen. Thom Tillis, R-N.C. that would expand access to preventive and diagnostic health care to veterans with service-related toxic exposure. The legislation also addresses funding and planning for the creation of training materials for providers and authorizing research on toxic exposure. According to an article published by Stars and…
-
VA Representatives List the Most Underused Benefits in Each State
According to representatives from the Department of Veterans Affairs, there are various benefits that are available to veterans that are not always known about or used. An article published by MilitaryTimes.com outlined the following underused veterans benefits for Pennsylvania (PA) and New Jersey (NJ): In NJ, veterans with certain service-connected disabilities may be eligible for…
-
Report Shows Increased Demand for Veteran’s Mental Health and Substance Abuse Treatment
A report released this week found that veterans are at higher risk of developing substance abuse disorders, and mental health issues and concurrently struggle to find access to health care. According to an article published by Stars and Stripes, “Rand Corp., a nonprofit think tank, released findings that show a high demand among the veteran…
-
Proposed New Agent Orange Conditions Presented to Congress
After years of trying, a means to expedite benefits to thousands of Vietnam War veterans was presented to Congress via this year’s annual defense budget review. If approved, benefits would be granted to Vietnam War veterans suffering from bladder cancer, hypothyroidism, hypertension, and Parkinson’s-like symptoms thought to be caused by chemical herbicide Agent Orange. According to an…
-
VA Continues to Deny Care Troops Exposed To Toxins at K2
The Department of Veterans Affairs continues to deny troops exposed to cancer-risking toxins at K2 even though recently declassified documents show the Pentagon knew troops were exposed and official military documents show evidence of said exposure. According to an article published by Stripes.com, “Karshi-Khanabad Air Base, known as K2, is a former Soviet airbase in southeastern Uzbekistan…
-
VA’s Largest Budget Ever Heads to House Lawmakers for a Vote
The House Appropriations subcommittee members unanimously approved a draft $250.9 billion VA budget plan for 2021 this week, after which it was sent to the House floor for a vote. If approved, it will be the second-largest federal agency budget, second only to the Pentagon. According to an article published by ConnectingVets.com, “The new proposal continues…
-
VA Medical Exams Continue Despite Increase in Coronavirus Cases
In an attempt to ease the backlog of almost 200,000 disability claims, the Department of Veterans Affairs is amping up their efforts to recommence Compensation and Pension exams amidst the soaring coronavirus cases. According to an article published by MilitaryTimes.com, “The situation leaves many veterans unsure of the health risks with a difficult choice: Head outside their homes for…
