Category Archives: News
This proposed VA health care change could save you time — and save VA billions:
Administration officials this year are re-upping a series of reforms to the veterans disability system they estimate would cut down on tens of thousands of unneeded medical exams and save billions of dollars. VA spokesman Curt Cashour said the change reflects a … Continue reading
VA to offer new nasal spray for treatment-resistant depression:
The VA announced March 19 that its healthcare providers will now be able to offer the newly approved Spravato nasal spray for treatment-resistant depression. The treatment will be made available to veterans based on their individual medical needs, combined … Continue reading
VA is at it again
The VA revealed this week that the first of a two-phase expansion of its comprehensive family caregiver support program will be delayed-yet again. To avoid lengthy delays in processing applications and providing support services to family caregivers, the VA MISSION … Continue reading
• Senators urge VA not to fumble expansion of caregiver benefits:
“VA continues to miss deadlines and not get it right, “Senator Patti Murray said in a phone interview Wednesday. “And we have got to make them step up to the plate and make this work.” In a Feb. … Continue reading
• 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