Author Archives: ron
• VA Medical Marijuana – H.R.1151/S.445 | Veterans Medical Marijuana Safe Harbor Act:
Sen. Brian Schatz (D-HI) and Rep. Barbara Lee (D-CA reintroduced legislation to let Veterans Affairs doctors prescribe medical marijuana in the 33 states where it’s legal. The bill also would direct VA to research how medical marijuana might help manage … Continue reading
• H.R. 553, the Military Surviving Spouses Equity Act:
On January 15, 2019, Congressman Joe Wilson introduced H.R. 553, the Military Surviving Spouses Equity Act. This bill would eliminate an unfair offset placed on many surviving spouses of service members who pass away during active duty or spouses … Continue reading
UCMJ update – applicability to retirees upheld by Supreme Court:
The U.S. Supreme Court has upheld the Defense Department’s authority to prosecute retired service members for crimes they commit, even after retirement. The court on 22 FEB chose not to hear the case of a retired Marine who was court-martialed … Continue reading
VA RAMP update – program to end ahead of implementation of new Veteran appeals law:
The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) announced it will discontinue the Rapid Appeals Modernization Program (RAMP), which provided eligible Veterans with early resolutions to their appealed claims, ahead of full implementation of the Veterans Appeals Improvement and Modernization Act … Continue reading
VA disability claims update – priority processing for Purple Heart Awardees:
On 26 FEB at a congressional hearing before the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies, VA Secretary Robert Wilkie announced that effective in April, VA will provide priority disability benefits claims processing for the initial … Continue reading
Vet small businesses – new law offers surplus equipment to vet entrepreneurs for free:
Scattered in warehouses throughout the country are the kinds of federal resources that can help make small businesses thrive — laptops and office furniture, construction equipment and farm tools that have been gathering dust, unused and unseen, year after year. … Continue reading
VA disability rating – what you need to know when requesting an increase in your disability:
Did you know that you can have your VA disability compensation benefit increased by the Department of Veterans Affairs? Many types of medical conditions get worse over time. If you are getting disability benefits from the VA, you have the … Continue reading
Congressional Budget Office [CBO] budget recommendation – more 2019 TRICARE & VA proposals:
The CBO also suggested instituting enrollment fees for Tricare for Life, the program that serves as supplemental coverage for military retirees on Medicare. Analysts estimated that the Defense Department could save $12 billion between 2021 and 2028 if it adopted … Continue reading
This new law gives vet small business owners surplus federal equipment — for free:
Scattered in warehouses throughout the country are the kinds of federal resources that can help make small businesses thrive — laptops and office furniture, construction equipment and farm tools that have been gathering dust, unused and unseen, year … Continue reading
Vets could soon get free child care during medical treatment:
The Veterans Affairs Department could soon provide free child care for veterans undergoing treatment for mental health and other medical issues — a move some lawmakers hope will make it easier for veterans to get help. The House of Representatives … Continue reading