Tag Archives: Department of Veterans Affairs

Veterans groups appeal for Blue Water Navy veterans benefits


According to an article published by Stripes.com, ten national veterans organizations pleaded with the President last week, asking him to direct the Justice Department not to appeal a recent federal court decision that could extend Agent Orange benefits to thousands of Vietnam War veterans. The article continued by saying, “The Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit…

Bill named for Tampa Bay veteran seeks to expand Agent Orange benefits


According to an article published by Channel 8 News, “just days after the VA awarded Navy veteran Lonnie Kilpatrick disability benefits for his exposure to toxic herbicides, Lonnie passed away. Over the course of a decade, the VA refused to approve his benefits, claiming that because he was stationed on Guam and not in Vietnam,…

VA launches investigation of bots using fake news to target veterans


This month the US Department of Veterans Affairs launched an investigation into “anonymous internet actors” impersonating veterans service organizations in an effort to scam veterans. According to an article published by Stars and Stripes, “Vietnam Veterans of America has investigated the issue since 2017, when the organization discovered a Facebook page using its name and…

New “HAVEN” act promises to protect bankrupt veterans


The Honoring American Veterans in Extreme Need (HAVEN) Act seeks to shield disabled veterans’ benefits from debt collectors and provide them with bankruptcy immunity. According to an article published by the Military Times, “when a disabled vet declares bankruptcy currently, the law allows debtors to count a veteran’s disability benefits as disposable income, allowing them…

Push for “Blue Water Navy” veterans benefits continues


Last week, House and Senate leaders began another push for a “Blue Water Navy” bill on Agent Orange veterans benefits. This was following a previously failed attempt last year due to opposition from the Department of Veterans Affairs. According to an article published by Military.com, “Sen. Johnny Isakson and Rep. Phil Roe, R-Tennessee were joined by Rep. Mark…

Veterans exposed to ‘burn pits’ continue to fight for medical care


U.S. soldiers stationed in Iraq and Afghanistan believe that exposure to trash fires known as ‘burn pits’ has caused them to sustain long-term breathing problems and chronic illnesses. The Department of Veterans Affairs maintains that exposure to ‘burn pits’ has not been definitively linked to any long-term health effects. The VA are therefore continuing to…

Disability claims by Purple Heart veterans will now be prioritized.


Last week, Veterans Affairs secretary Robert Wilkie announced that disability claims by veterans who earned a Purple Heart will now be prioritized amongst other requests saying, “Those who hold…the recognition of wounds taken in battle, will now receive priority consideration when it comes to claims,” Effective on April 1st, the new policy follows existing department…

New VA program aimed at securing IT jobs for veterans


The Department of Veterans Affairs is planning to launch a new program in April that will be aimed at placing veterans in high-paying information technology (IT) jobs, with all training and associated fees fully paid for once the veteran has secured employment. According to an article published by the Military Times, the Veteran Employment Through…