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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…
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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…
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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…
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Fight Continues for Veterans with Toxic Exposure During Service in Thailand
Lawmakers and the VA Chairman are recommitting themselves to providing support to veterans who served in Thailand during the Vietnam War-era by providing them the ability to prove toxic exposure and therefore be eligible for benefits. According to an article published by The Veterans’ Affairs committee, “The VA currently awards service-connected benefits for exposure to…
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VA Vaccine Act Passed, Making All Veterans & Caregivers Eligible
This week, the VA Vaccine Act was unanimously passed by House members, giving the Department of Veterans Affairs the go-ahead to vaccinate all veterans and their caregivers. According to an article published by Military Times, “It is unclear how quickly the department could distribute the vaccine, but the measure would dramatically expand the scope of…
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$1.9 Trillion Coronavirus Relief Plan Approved with $17 Billion for VA
This week, with only three hours of debate, the House approved a $1.9 trillion coronavirus relief package that includes $17 billion for the VA. According to an article published by Stars and Stripes, “The bill gives about $17 billion to the VA. Most of that — $14.5 billion — goes toward vaccine distribution, veterans’ health…
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Democratic Leaders Invite Veterans from Minority Groups to Policy Discussions
Democratic lawmakers have repeatedly promised to include more veterans from minority communities in policy discussions. Last week, they delivered on this promise. According to an article published by Military Times, “[During] a joint hearing by the House and Senate Veterans’ Affairs committees, leaders from Minority Veterans of America and the National Coalition for Homeless Veterans sat for the first…
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Lawmakers and Advocacy Groups Push to Add High Blood Pressure to List of Presumptive Agent Orange Illnesses
This year, lawmakers and advocacy are pushing for high blood pressure to officially be added to the list of Agent Orange presumptive illnesses – a move that could potentially provide disability benefits to more than 160,000 Veterans. According to an article published by Military Times, “In an interview with Military Times this week, Senate Veterans’…
