Author Archives: ron

A new study has found a close relationship between Agent Orange exposure during the Vietnam War and high blood pressure, a conclusion that could lead the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs to dramatically expand the number of veterans eligible for … Continue reading →

VA is introducing 1-844-MyVA311 (1-844-698-2311) as a go-to source for Veterans and their families who don’t know what number to call. This new national toll-free number will help eliminate the feeling of frustration and confusion that Veterans and their families … Continue reading →

By law, reservists involuntarily mobilized under a new and obscure deployment code do not receive credit for the GI Bill while they are activated. Nearly 300 Marines came home from their seven-month deployment to Central America this week. They have … Continue reading →

A new Justice Department pilot program is designed to shore up enforcement of laws that protect troops, veterans and their families against financial predators. The Servicemembers Civil Relief Act Enforcement Support Pilot Program will pay for assistant U.S. attorney and … Continue reading →

Certain hearing aid implants are now covered for all Tricare users under a policy update announced 8 NOV. Existing rules block hearing aid coverage for retirees, Tricare for Life and Tricare Reserve Select users. But the policy change reclassifies a … Continue reading →

You may be creating a debt for your spouse when you fail to update your Survivor Benefit Plan (SBP) election or fail to pay your SBP premium when your military retired pay is offset by your VA disability compensation. SBP … Continue reading →

There are times when veteran organization service officers are asked for the definition of a veteran by a member of the Guard. As a retired National Guard member with a 20 year letter and no active duty time, I am … Continue reading →

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and the Social Security Administration (SSA) launched a new Health IT initiative that enables VA to share medical records electronically with social security disabilty processors. This secure process will save time and money resulting … Continue reading →

More veterans of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan are headed to Capitol Hill next year, despite an overall drop in the number of representatives and senators with military experience. At least 27 veterans of the recent wars won congressional … Continue reading →

On November 9, the National Academy of Public Administration released its review of the Veterans Benefits Administration efforts to eliminate the disability claims backlog. The Report shows progress has been made but additional process reforms are needed. A myriad of … Continue reading →