RSSVeterans’ Affairs Department

Kiosks return in wake of Veteran complaints about online travel claim process

| October 13, 2024 | 21 Comments
Kiosks return in wake of Veteran complaints about online travel claim process

Veterans previously filing travel claims for qualified VA visits used to be able to utilize kiosks. These kiosks were positioned in VA hospitals and clinics, allowing veterans to file claims for travel expenses in conjunction with attending an appointment. However, the VA phased the kiosks out in favor of an online system. This system proved […]

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VA rolling out program to help Veterans denied benefits due to discharge status

| October 4, 2024 | 38 Comments
VA rolling out program to help Veterans denied benefits due to discharge status

The VA announced a plan involving grants to fund certain organizations that help veterans. These organizations assist veterans who are trying to obtain benefits despite their discharge status. The VA will establish a pilot program giving grants to organizations who provide legal assistance. Veterans looking to gain benefits such as college tuition, healthcare, and disability […]

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Two VA staff transferred pending investigation on delayed time-sensitive care

| October 2, 2024 | 30 Comments
Two VA staff transferred pending investigation on delayed time-sensitive care

Two senior VA officials at a New York VA medical center were transferred from their posts. This transfer, away from veteran-facing positions, came in the aftermath of an Inspector General report. These individuals were accused of delaying radiation therapy and neurosurgery appointments. Veterans needing time-sensitive care services didn’t receive them in a timely manner. The […]

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JD Vance on privatizing some VA services

| September 13, 2024 | 14 Comments
JD Vance on privatizing some VA services

During a podcast with Shawn Ryan, JD Vance discussed improving services at the VA. One of the things that Vance would like to see is the privatization of some of their services. He would also like to see “bad apples” removed. Kamala Harris’s campaign insinuated that Vance wanted to defund parts of the VA. From […]

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Judge hammers US Department of Veterans Affairs in ruling

| September 9, 2024 | 23 Comments
Judge hammers US Department of Veterans Affairs in ruling

The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs campus in West Lost Angeles came under hot water as a result of a lawsuit filed by homeless veterans. The VA illegally leased a portion of their West L.A. campus to a baseball team, an oil company, and other groups who did not qualify for the leases. The judge […]

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Veterans urge FDA to approve ecstasy for PTSD treatment in clinical settings

| July 16, 2024 | 36 Comments
Veterans urge FDA to approve ecstasy for PTSD treatment in clinical settings

Veterans, including lawmakers who are also veterans, attended a two-hour outdoor news conference in Washington D.C. They shared their experiences with dealing with PTSD and with other effects of serving in a combat environment. Some of these veterans pointed to ecstasy as helping them beyond what traditional medications for their conditions were able to do. […]

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Disabled Veterans calling on Congress to move on bill related to concurrent benefits

| July 14, 2024 | 14 Comments
Disabled Veterans calling on Congress to move on bill related to concurrent benefits

Veterans with less than 20 years of service, and having less than a 50% disability rating, are not able to receive both their military retirement and disability compensation. There is a dollar for dollar offset, reducing retirement pay by the amount of disability pay. Veterans groups are calling on Congress to get the bill moving […]

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Veteran charged for strangling his roommate to death at a VA medical center

| March 23, 2024 | 29 Comments
Veteran charged for strangling his roommate to death at a VA medical center

Christopher Schweikart murdered another veteran at the acute mental health unit at the Veterans Affairs Medical Center. This medical center is located at Riviera Beach, Florida. Schweikart admitted, to a nurse, to killing the other veteran including how he did it. He also informed the nurse that he wanted to die. Federal VA agents arrived […]

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