Military & Veterans News
Military & Veterans News
VA’s telehealth system grows as Veterans have access to unlimited data while using VA Video Connect
Today, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs’ (VA) announced, Veterans using VA Video Connect on their TracFone mobile phones through the T-Mobile network, will no longer pay for data while using video telehealth technology to connect and meet with their VA health care teams.
Military & Veterans News
Additional Guidance on Military Pay and Personnel Benefits: COVID-19
The department recently provided additional guidance to commanders for the administration of personnel policies and pay and benefits in the context of the effects created by the spread of COVID-19.
Military & Veterans News
CARES Act helping VA boost protections for Veterans
The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has begun implementing the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act or CARES Act, signed into law March 27, to protect America’s Veterans.
Military & Veterans News
VA extends financial, benefits and claims relief to Veterans
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) announced, April 3, a number of actions to provide Veterans with financial, benefits and claims help amid VA's COVID-19 response.
Military & Veterans News
VA expands virtual services to support Veterans amid regional office closures due to COVID-19 pandemic
Veterans continue to receive benefits and services after the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs’ (VA) Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA) temporarily closed its 56 regional offices to the public, March 19, in response to COVID-19.
Military & Veterans News
VA makes progress on resolution of legacy appeals
The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs’ Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA) Appeals Management Office (AMO) significantly reduced disability compensation legacy appeals inventory during the last nine months as part of the department’s long-term legacy resolution plan.
Military & Veterans News
Joint Statement on 60th Anniversary of the Signing of the Treaty of Mutual Cooperation and Security Between the U.S. and Japan
The text of the following statement was released by Secretary of State Michael Pompeo and Secretary of Defense Mark Esper for the Government of the United States of America and by Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi and Defense Minister Taro Kono for the Government of Japan on the occasion of 60th Anniversary of the Signing of the Treaty of Mutual Cooperation and Security between the United States of America and Japan.
Military & Veterans News
VA announces proposed rule regarding equal treatment of faith-based organizations in VA-supported social service programs
The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) proposed a rule, Jan. 16, that would implement President Trump’s, May 3, 2018, Executive Order (EO) establishing a White House Faith and Opportunity Initiative, to remove regulatory barriers allowing religious and non-religious organizations equal treatment in VA-supported social service programs.
Military & Veterans News
Blue Water Navy Vietnam Veterans Act claims now being determined
The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) will begin deciding claims for the Blue Water Navy Vietnam Veterans Act of 2019 at 12:01 a.m., Philippine Standard Time, Jan. 1, 2020. The Philippines is the farthest east VA regional benefits office.
Military & Veterans News
Department of Defense Establishes U.S. Space Force
Today the President signed the 2020 National Defense Authorization Act and with it, directed the establishment of the U.S. Space Force as the sixth branch of the armed forces.
Military & Veterans News
VA partners with National Guard to provide on-site counseling during training weekends
The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and the Department of Defense formalized a partnership June 28 between VA’s Vet Centers and the National Guard Bureau, to provide Vet Center counseling, outreach staff and other services to members during training or drill weekends.
Military & Veterans News
VA Releases 2019 National Veteran Suicide Prevention Report
Today, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) released its 2019 National Veteran Suicide Prevention Report. It includes findings from its most recent analysis of Veteran suicide data from 2005 to 2017. The 2019 National Veteran Suicide Prevention Annual Report highlights suicide as a national problem, and urges all Americans to come together to address the larger social issues that contribute to the increased rates of suicide in the U.S.
Military & Veterans News
Presidential Proclamation on National POW/MIA Recognition Day, 2019
Our American story is filled with countless examples of patriots who have gone beyond the call of duty to defend our precious liberties and cherished freedoms. National POW/MIA Recognition Day is an opportunity for our Nation to honor the intrepid spirit and admirable bravery of all former American prisoners of war, while also reaffirming our promise never to relent in our quest to locate the Soldiers, Sailors, Marines, Airmen, Coast Guardsmen, Merchant Marines, and civilians who remain missing in action.
Military & Veterans News
Department of Defense Establishes U.S. Space Command
At the direction of the President of the United States, Secretary of Defense Mark T. Esper established U.S. Space Command (USSPACECOM) today as the eleventh Unified Combatant Command. Gen. John W. Raymond is its Senate confirmed commander.
Military & Veterans News
VA launches Veterans Legacy Memorial to honor deceased Veterans online
The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), National Cemetery Administration (NCA) launched the Veterans Legacy Memorial (VLM), Aug. 14, the country's first digital platform dedicated entirely to the preservation of the memory of the 3.7 million Veterans interred in VA national cemeteries.
Military & Veterans News
VA hosts initiative that assists in securing financial futures for Veterans, service members and their families
The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs will host the Economic Investment (EI) Initiative: Puget Sound 2019, Aug. 6 – 8 at the South Puget Sound Community College in Olympia, Washington, to help those who serve or have served in uniform find continued success in civilian life.
Military & Veterans News
VA has cured 100,000 Veterans of Hepatitis C
As World Hepatitis Day is marked nationwide this week, the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has reached a significant milestone, having cured more than 100,000 Veterans of chronic hepatitis C virus infection (HCV), establishing VA as a global leader in the diagnosis and treatment of HCV.
Military & Veterans News
VA, DeepMind develop machine learning system to predict life-threatening disease before it appears
The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) in partnership with DeepMind Health, published results in the July 31 edition of Nature, on the development of an artificial intelligence (AI) system that can forecast a deadly kidney disease in advance.
Military & Veterans News
Remarks by New DoD Secretary Mark T. Esper at Welcome Ceremony at the Pentagon
Here is a copy of the remarks by New DoD Secretary Mark T. Esper at Welcome Ceremony at the Pentagon.
Military & Veterans News
VA releases Benefits Administration’s 3rd quarter benefits performance results
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs’ (VA) Undersecretary for Benefits, Dr. Paul R. Lawrence, reported on his organization’s performance for the third quarter of fiscal year 2019 in a livestream broadcast today.
Military & Veterans News
VA extends Agent Orange presumption to ‘Blue Water Navy’ Veterans
The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is preparing to process Agent Orange exposure claims for “Blue Water Navy” Veterans who served offshore of the Republic of Vietnam between Jan. 9, 1962, and May 7, 1975.
Military & Veterans News
VA to reduce rates for Servicemembers’ Group Life Insurance
On July 1, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) will reduce Servicemembers’ Group Life Insurance (SGLI) monthly premium rates from 7 cents per $1,000 to 6 cents per $1,000 of insurance, along with Family SGLI Program (FSGLI) premium rates for spousal coverage at all age brackets.
Military & Veterans News
VA and White House launch Veteran suicide-prevention task force
As part of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and White House initiative to curb Veteran suicide, VA Secretary Robert Wilkie and Director of the White House Domestic Policy Council Joe Grogan will launch a cabinet-level task force June 17 to develop a national roadmap.
Military & Veterans News
VA exceeds hiring goal of mental health providers by the thousands
The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) recently surpassed its original goal to hire mental health providers by more than 1,000, through the Mental Health Hiring Initiative, which aims to achieve higher standards of access and quality care.