Author Archives: ron
VA Aid & Attendance – changes to eligibility requirements:
VA has published their final rules, which will be effective 18 OCT. These rules are not statutory changes to federal laws; rather, they are administrative regulations promulgated by the VA – however, they affect the eligibility requirements for VA “wartime” … Continue reading
VA reexaminations and reductions of veterans disability benefits:
Many veterans currently receiving disability benefits often ask service officers about the possibility of getting their disability benefits reduced. The following tries to answer some of those questions: What Is a VA Reexamination? A reexamination can be a medical examination … Continue reading
Burn Pit Toxic exposure update – Petraeus states: ” It’s Time To Get Serious”:
Retired Army Gen. David Petraeus urged Congress in an interview with Fox News on 3 SEP to make good on its “sacred obligation” to support the growing number of veterans sickened by exposure to burn pits at U.S military bases … Continue reading
GI Bill transferability update – Purple Heart recipient’s exemption:
Purple Heart recipients on active duty will soon be exempt from a new policy barring troops from transferring their post-9/11 GI Bill education benefits to their dependents if they cannot commit to an additional four years of service. The policy … Continue reading
VA Medical Marijuana update – Senate bill to remove vet access barriers:
A bill introduced in the Senate on 4 SEP would remove some of the barriers making it difficult for veterans to access medical cannabis programs in their states. The Veterans Medical Marijuana Safe Harbor Act, introduced by Sen. Bill Nelson … Continue reading
Disabled vets space “A” Update -100% disabled vets now authorized travel:
Under the new Disabled Veterans Access to Space-A Travel Act, veterans with a service-connected, permanent disability rating of 100% can hop on any scheduled or unscheduled military flight within the continental United States (and scheduled overseas flights) operated by Air … Continue reading
Legislation
H.R.303 (Retired Pay Restoration Act) Cosponsors 92 – Referred to Committees: Armed Services; Veterans Affairs • Permits additional retired members of the Armed forces who have a service-connected disability to receive both disability compensation from the VA for their disability … Continue reading
New GI Bill transfer limits:
The Pentagon’s new rules on transferring GI Bill benefits to dependents have created a lot of concern and confusion among service members, veterans, and families. What changes have already taken effect? DoD requires service members to commit to serve an … Continue reading
Marijuana use and the Department of Veterans Affairs:
The Department of Veterans Affairs doesn’t care much about you smoking marijuana. You won’t lose disability benefits if you’re smoking marijuana. The only people who are concerned are in the health care arena of the VA…your doctors. Most enlightened physicians … Continue reading
Forever GI bill expands VA educational benefits:
Effective Aug. 1, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) implemented 15 more provisions of the Harry W. Colmery Educational Assistance Act of 2017, also referred to as the Forever GI Bill. These provisions, in addition to the 13 implemented … Continue reading