January 27, 2024
Check out the 2024 Priority Goals Brochure from VFW National to see how the VFW is fighting for you! https://www.vfw.org/-/media/vfwsite/files/advocacy/prioritygoalsbrochure.pdf
January 22, 2024
Comcast says hackers stole data of close to 36 million Xfinity customers: https://techcrunch.com/2023/12/19/comcast-xfinity-hackers-36-million-customers/
Former VFW post commander stole $40,000 from veterans, forcing group to merge with nearby post: https://www.stripes.com/veterans/2024-01-09/veterans-vfw-oklahoma-commander-theft-12613504.html?utm_source=sailthru&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=mil-ebb&SToverlay=342f5a58-c37b-4142-b049-1f737335b507
With the new year comes new Texas laws. Thirty-one bills passed during the 88th regular legislative session and subsequent special sessions became law Jan. 1:
House Bill 4077 automatically gives a homestead exemption to homeowners age 65 or older. Previously, elderly homeowners had to request exemptions from their local appraisal districts.
Senate Bill 1381 allows certain local tax exemptions to automatically roll over to a person’s spouse if they are at least 65 years old when they die.
Pentagon fell short in tracking $1 billion in Ukraine aid, IG finds: https://www.defensenews.com/pentagon/2024/01/11/pentagon-fell-short-in-tracking-1-billion-in-ukraine-aid-ig-finds/?utm_source=sailthru&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=mil-ebb&SToverlay=342f5a58-c37b-4142-b049-1f737335b507
Is VA Paying for Migrant Health Care? The Agency Says ‘No’ Despite Wave of Political Attacks. https://www.military.com/daily-news/2024/01/11/va-paying-migrant-health-care-agency-says-no-despite-wave-of-political-attacks.html?utm_source=sailthru&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=mil-ebb&SToverlay=342f5a58-c37b-4142-b049-1f737335b507
Defense Department Expands ID Card Renewals by Mail to US-Based Retirees, Dependents: https://www.military.com/daily-news/2024/01/16/defense-department-expands-id-card-renewals-mail-us-based-retirees-dependents.html?utm_source=sailthru&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=mil-ebb&SToverlay=342f5a58-c37b-4142-b049-1f737335b507
VA provides free emergency suicide prevention care to nearly 50,000 Veterans and former service members in first year of new policy: https://news.va.gov/press-room/va-provides-free-emergency-suicide-prevention-care-to-nearly-50000/
Miss America crown belongs to an active duty military member for 1st time ever: https://link.militarytimes.com/click/34025168.112106/aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cueW91dHViZS5jb20vd2F0Y2g_dj1RZDR3c3JVd2VUWSZ1dG1fc291cmNlPXNhaWx0aHJ1JnV0bV9tZWRpdW09ZW1haWwmdXRtX2NhbXBhaWduPW1pbC1lYmImU1RvdmVybGF5PTM0MmY1YTU4LWMzN2ItNDE0Mi1iMDQ5LTFmNzM3MzM1YjUwNw/5c9be6a9ecf12a7cf9626e34Cde2decea
VA staff are completing more claims than ever but still falling behind: https://www.militarytimes.com/veterans/2024/01/17/va-staff-are-completing-more-claims-than-ever-but-still-falling-behind/?SToverlay=342f5a58-c37b-4142-b049-1f737335b507
3M’s Earplug Settlement on Track as Veterans and Service Members Opt in to $6B Deal: https://www.military.com/daily-news/2024/01/17/3ms-earplug-settlement-track-veterans-and-service-members-opt-6b-deal.html?SToverlay=342f5a58-c37b-4142-b049-1f737335b507
December 1, 2023
VA and the Global Liver Institute collaborate to enhance quality of life for Veterans with liver diseases: https://news.va.gov/press-room/va-global-liver-institute-veterans-liver-disease/
Try Appointments on VA.gov: https://www.myhealth.va.gov/mhv-portal-web/web/myhealthevet/ss20231103-try-appointments-va
MI L I TARY COMMUNI TY HIRING EVENT, HOUSTON: https://rm-events-production.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/event/attendee_poster/1706/Houston_MinuteMaid_1123.pdf
VA calls on mortgage servicers to pause foreclosures of VA-guaranteed loans through May 31, 2024: https://news.va.gov/press-room/va-calls-on-mortgage-servicers-to-pause-foreclosures-of-va-guaranteed-loans-through-may-31-2024/
Emergency Medical Care Coverage, What to know if you get care outside of VA: https://www.myhealth.va.gov/mhv-portal-web/web/myhealthevet/ss20221207-emergency-medical-care-coverage
VA has housed more than 38,000 homeless Veterans in 2023, surpassing goal two months early: https://news.va.gov/press-room/va-housed-38000-homeless-veterans-2023/
Army vet, 94, kicked out of NYC nursing home to make room for migrants: https://nypost.com/2023/11/30/news/army-vet-kicked-out-of-nyc-nursing-home-to-make-room-for-migrants/?utm_source=sailthru&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=mil-ebb&SToverlay=342f5a58-c37b-4142-b049-1f737335b507
2023 – 2024 Basic VA Disability Pay Chart: https://vfw4709.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/2024_VA_Disability_pay_chart.pdf
November 16th, 2023
Record workload for VA in 2023 means more hiring in 2024: https://www.militarytimes.com/military-honor/salute-veterans/2023/11/06/record-workload-for-va-in-2023-means-more-hiring-in-2024/?utm_source=sailthru&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=mil-ebb&SToverlay=342f5a58-c37b-4142-b049-1f737335b507
Which colleges are best for veterans? Those offering training, support: https://www.militarytimes.com/home/2023/11/06/which-colleges-are-best-for-veterans-those-offering-training-support/?utm_source=sailthru&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=mil-ebb&SToverlay=342f5a58-c37b-4142-b049-1f737335b507
Veterans make for better company on the Best for Vets: Employers list: https://www.militarytimes.com/education-transition/2023/11/06/veterans-make-for-better-company-on-the-best-for-vets-employers-list/?utm_source=sailthru&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=mil-ebb&SToverlay=342f5a58-c37b-4142-b049-1f737335b507
VA national research program enrolls historic one millionth Veteran, paving way for life-saving, groundbreaking research: https://news.va.gov/press-room/va-national-research-program-enrolls-historic-one-millionth-veteran-paving-way-for-life-saving-groundbreaking-research/
VA releases National Veteran Suicide Prevention Annual Report: https://news.va.gov/press-room/va-releases-national-veteran-suicide-prevention-annual-report/
International Fraud Awareness Week- VBA Protects Veteran Benefits, Received 11-16: https://content.govdelivery.com/accounts/USVAVBA/bulletins/37b2bae
After 9,000 Guardsmen Weren’t Paid Owed Bonuses, House Lawmakers Say They Want Answers: https://www.military.com/daily-news/2023/11/15/after-9000-guardsmen-werent-paid-owed-bonuses-house-lawmakers-say-they-want-answers.html?utm_source=sailthru&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=mil-ebb
Vets calling crisis line get lost in system, whistleblowers warn: https://www.militarytimes.com/veterans/2023/11/15/vets-calling-crisis-line-get-lost-in-system-whistleblowers-warn/?utm_source=sailthru&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=mil-ebb
VA Defends Crisis Line’s Special Unit After Whistleblowers Allege It’s Failing Veterans: https://www.military.com/daily-news/2023/11/15/va-defends-crisis-lines-special-unit-after-whistleblowers-allege-its-failing-veterans.html?utm_source=sailthru&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=mil-ebb
Vets tap businesses for VA disability claims help, but there’s a cost: https://www.militarytimes.com/veterans/2023/11/13/vets-tap-businesses-for-va-disability-claims-help-but-theres-a-cost/?utm_source=sailthru&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=mil-ebb
Veterans, Advocates Want Blood Cancers Added to PACT Act List of Burn Pit-Related Conditions: https://www.military.com/daily-news/2023/11/13/veterans-advocates-want-blood-cancers-added-pact-act-list-of-burn-pit-related-conditions.html?utm_source=sailthru&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=mil-ebb
Vets advocates hail legal fee caps for Camp Lejeune water lawsuits: https://www.militarytimes.com/military-honor/salute-veterans/2023/11/09/vets-advocates-hail-legal-fee-caps-for-camp-lejeune-water-lawsuits/?utm_source=sailthru&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=mil-ebb&SToverlay=342f5a58-c37b-4142-b049-1f737335b507
All WWII Veterans are now eligible for VA health care: https://news.va.gov/press-room/all-wwii-veterans-are-now-eligible-for-no-cost-va-health-care-and-nursing-home-services/
VA covers cost of Parkinson’s care for family members of Veterans who served at Camp Lejeune: https://news.va.gov/press-room/parkinsons-family-of-veterans-served-camp-lejeune/
October 31st, 2023
VA reduces premium rates for Veterans’ Mortgage Life Insurance: https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDAsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsInVybCI6Imh0dHBzOi8vbmV3cy52YS5nb3YvcHJlc3Mtcm9vbS92YS1yZWR1Y2VzLXByZW1pdW0tcmF0ZXMtZm9yLXZldGVyYW5zLW1vcnRnYWdlLWxpZmUtaW5zdXJhbmNlLyIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMzEwMTMuODQwMjE3OTEifQ.ohl_BrFUVrrorgzdRolWlWZSg5QO9hWzo0uMmjplV3I/s/211308122/br/227966666690-l
Social Security Admin Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA) Information for 2024: https://www.ssa.gov/cola/
The Veterans Administration will use the Social Security COLA increase for VA disability payments.
Lawmakers push for burn pit benefits related to Kosovo deployments: https://www.militarytimes.com/veterans/2023/10/26/lawmakers-push-for-burn-pit-benefits-related-to-kosovo-deployments/?utm_source=sailthru&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=mil-ebb&SToverlay=342f5a58-c37b-4142-b049-1f737335b507
Veterans Will Soon Be Able to Get VA Health Care at 3 Military Bases in Kentucky, Oklahoma: https://www.military.com/daily-news/2023/10/26/veterans-will-soon-be-able-get-va-health-care-3-military-bases-kentucky-oklahoma.html?utm_source=sailthru&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=mil-ebb&SToverlay=342f5a58-c37b-4142-b049-1f737335b507
A Letter From the Chairwoman, Texas Veterans Land Board — National Day of the Deployed: https://medium.com/texas-veterans-blog/a-letter-from-the-chairwoman-national-day-of-the-deployed-7ea64f97a19a
My HealtheVet’s 20th Anniversary: https://www.myhealth.va.gov/mhv-portal-web/web/myhealthevet/ss20231027-my-healthevet-20-anniversary
2023 Veterans Day Deals, Discounts and Freebies: https://www.military.com/veterans-day/veterans-day-military-discounts.html?utm_source=sailthru&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=mil-ebb&SToverlay=342f5a58-c37b-4142-b049-1f737335b507
China fetes American veterans of World War II known as ‘Flying Tigers’: https://www.militarytimes.com/news/your-air-force/2023/10/30/china-fetes-american-veterans-of-world-war-ii-known-as-flying-tigers/?utm_source=sailthru&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=mil-ebb&SToverlay=342f5a58-c37b-4142-b049-1f737335b507
September 18th, 2023
Gov. Abbott, TVC Announce Over $36 Million In Grants for Veterans: https://texasinsider.org/articles/governor-abbott-tvc-announce-over-36-million-in-grants-for-veterans?utm_source=&utm_medium=deployer&utm_content=&utm_campaign=Newsletter&utm_term=
Watchdog: VA may have overpaid millions in Gulf War Syndrome benefits: https://www.militarytimes.com/news/your-military/2023/09/08/watchdog-va-may-have-overpaid-millions-in-gulf-war-syndrome-benefits/?utm_source=sailthru&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=mil-ebb&SToverlay=342f5a58-c37b-4142-b049-1f737335b507
Veterans and their survivors have filed more than one million claims for toxic exposure-related benefits under the PACT Act since signed it into law Aug. 10, 2022. VA has processed more than 551,000 of these claims, granting 77.9% of them and awarding more than $2.2 billion in earned benefits to Veterans and survivors.
‘Status Quo Is Not an Option’: Lawmakers Press VA on Handling of Companies Charging to File Benefits Claims: https://www.military.com/daily-news/2023/09/14/status-quo-not-option-lawmakers-press-va-handling-of-companies-charging-file-benefits-claims.html?utm_source=sailthru&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=mil-ebb&SToverlay=342f5a58-c37b-4142-b049-1f737335b507
Navy will miss recruiting goals by 7,000 sailors this year: https://www.navytimes.com/news/your-navy/2023/09/14/navy-will-miss-recruiting-goals-by-7000-sailors-this-year/?utm_source=sailthru&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=mil-ebb&SToverlay=342f5a58-c37b-4142-b049-1f737335b507
Entire Air Force to miss recruiting goal, the first failure since 1999: https://www.airforcetimes.com/news/your-air-force/2023/09/14/entire-air-force-to-miss-recruiting-goal-the-first-failure-since-1999/?utm_source=sailthru&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=mil-ebb&SToverlay=342f5a58-c37b-4142-b049-1f737335b507
United States Congressman Dan Crenshaw’s office will be hosting VA Pact Act toxic screening event and other disability benefits @ Porter VFW 4816, Sept 28, 10 AM to 2 PM, see attached flyer.
Air Force to fall short of annual training goal by about 120 pilots: https://www.stripes.com/theaters/us/2023-09-15/air-force-pilots-training-shortfall-11388529.html?utm_source=sailthru&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=mil-ebb&SToverlay=342f5a58-c37b-4142-b049-1f737335b507
August 29th, 2023
Next PACT Act deadline: Health care enrollment for Veterans who deployed to combat zones: https://news.va.gov/press-room/next-pact-act-deadline-health-care-enrollment-for-veterans-who-deployed-to-combat-zones/
‘Woke’ Pentagon Spending at Center of Upcoming Government Shutdown Fight: https://www.military.com/daily-news/2023/08/21/woke-pentagon-spending-center-of-upcoming-government-shutdown-fight.html?utm_source=sailthru&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=mil-ebb&SToverlay=342f5a58-c37b-4142-b049-1f737335b507
32,000 Veterans Have VA Disability Claims Decisions Delayed by Technical Glitch: https://www.military.com/daily-news/2023/08/23/32000-veterans-have-va-disability-claims-decisions-delayed-technical-glitch.html?utm_source=sailthru&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=mil-ebb&SToverlay=342f5a58-c37b-4142-b049-1f737335b507
‘Atomic veterans’ overwhelmingly denied benefits for illnesses related to radiation exposure during service: https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/atomic-vets-overwhelmingly-denied-benefits-illnesses-related-radiation-rcna99474?utm_source=sailthru&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=mil-ebb&SToverlay=342f5a58-c37b-4142-b049-1f737335b507
Houston Airports are committed to providing greater parking availability for all while also prioritizing Disabled Military Veterans. Beginning September 15, 2023, Houston Airports will offer certain military veterans and military award recipients complimentary parking each time they visit George Bush Intercontinental Airport or William P. Hobby Airport. https://fly2houston.com/parking/disabledveterans
3M agrees to pay $6 bln to settle lawsuits over US military earplugs: https://www.reuters.com/legal/3m-board-vote-multibillion-dollar-settlement-military-earplug-litigation-2023-08-28/?utm_source=sailthru&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=mil-ebb&SToverlay=342f5a58-c37b-4142-b049-1f737335b507
August 23rd, 2023
VA Community Care
VA provides health care for Veterans from providers in your local community outside of VA. Veterans may be eligible to receive care from a community provider when VA cannot provide the care needed. This care is provided on behalf of and paid for by VA.
Community care is available to Veterans based on certain conditions and eligibility requirements, and in consideration of a Veteran’s specific needs and circumstances. Community care must be first authorized by VA before a Veteran can receive care from a community provider.
Download the full informational PDF
Emergency Medical Care
During a medical emergency, you should immediately seek care at the nearest emergency department (ED). A medical emergency is an injury, illness or symptom so severe that a delay in seeking immediate medical attention would be reasonably expected to be hazardous to life or health. If you believe your life or health is in danger, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency department right away.
During a medical emergency, VA encourages all Veterans to seek immediate medical attention without delay.
Download the full informational PDF
One year of the PACT Act: A historic expansion of benefits and health care for Veterans and their survivors: https://news.va.gov/press-room/one-year-of-pact-act-a-historic-expansion-of-benefits-and-health-care-for-veterans-and-their-survivors/
And note they don’t even report on the 400 Billion that congress put in last August that does not go to veterans or veteran programs.
Army Reserve Fixes Tuition Benefits Breakdown Just Before Students Enter Fall Semester: https://www.military.com/daily-news/2023/08/11/army-reserve-fixes-tuition-benefits-breakdown-just-students-enter-fall-semester.html?utm_source=sailthru&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=mil-ebb&SToverlay=342f5a58-c37b-4142-b049-1f737335b507
One year of the PACT Act: VA scrambles to meet demand from veterans: https://thehill.com/policy/defense/4149935-one-year-of-the-pact-act-va-scrambles-to-meet-demand-from-veterans/?utm_source=sailthru&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=mil-ebb&SToverlay=342f5a58-c37b-4142-b049-1f737335b507
Bipartisan Coalition of Attorneys General Urge Congress to Pass the G.U.A.R.D. VA Benefits Act: https://www.naag.org/press-releases/bipartisan-coalition-of-attorneys-general-urge-congress-to-pass-the-g-u-a-r-d-va-benefits-act/
August 9th, 2023
New $18B tax cut legislation – touted by GOP as largest in Texas history – signed by Gov. Abbott:
https://abc13.com/texas-property-tax-cuts-taxes-legislature-2023-politics/13624795/
Veterans see historic expansion of benefits for toxic exposure: https://www.militarytimes.com/veterans/2023/08/06/veterans-see-historic-expansion-of-benefits-for-toxic-exposure/?utm_source=sailthru&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=mil-ebb&SToverlay=342f5a58-c37b-4142-b049-1f737335b507
Wounded Warrior Project membership continues to grow even as wars fade: https://www.militarytimes.com/veterans/2023/08/04/wounded-warrior-project-membership-continues-to-grow-even-as-wars-fade/?utm_source=sailthru&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=mil-ebb&SToverlay=342f5a58-c37b-4142-b049-1f737335b507
Palliative Care and Hospice, What’s the Difference? https://content.govdelivery.com/accounts/USVHA/bulletins/3691a40
Mobile medical units to be deployed across US to aid homeless vets: https://www.militarytimes.com/veterans/2023/08/03/mobile-medical-units-to-be-deployed-across-us-to-aid-homeless-vets/
PACT Act Special Enrollment Period, Post-9/11 Combat Veterans, Don’t Miss this Special Health Care Enrollment Period: https://www.myhealth.va.gov/mhv-portal-web/web/myhealthevet/ss20230428-pact-act-special-enrollment
‘I want the truth’: Families of Marines killed in Kabul airport bombing speak at North County forum: https://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/news/military/story/2023-08-07/issa-town-hall-camp-pendleton-deaths-afghanistan-bombing?utm_source=sailthru&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=mil-ebb&SToverlay=342f5a58-c37b-4142-b049-1f737335b507
Former Coast Guard head covered up secret investigation into sexual assaults at the Coast Guard Academy: https://www.cnn.com/2023/08/08/politics/coast-guard-sexual-assault-coverup-invs/index.html?utm_source=sailthru&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=mil-ebb&SToverlay=342f5a58-c37b-4142-b049-1f737335b507
Yellow Ribbon Program: https://www.va.gov/education/about-gi-bill-benefits/post-9-11/yellow-ribbon-program/
Supplemental Claims: https://www.va.gov/decision-reviews/supplemental-claim/
View your VA disability ratings: https://www.va.gov/disability/view-disability-rating/
Download Your VA Decision Letters Online: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y9TKxj3P-A4
VA launches mobile medical units to increase access to health care for homeless Veterans: https://news.va.gov/press-room/va-launches-mobile-medical-units-to-increase-access-to-health-care-for-homeless-veterans/
VA offers free breast cancer screenings to burn-pit vets 40 and under: https://www.militarytimes.com/veterans/2023/08/02/va-offers-free-breast-cancer-screenings-to-burn-pit-vets-40-under/?utm_source=sailthru&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=mil-ebb&SToverlay=342f5a58-c37b-4142-b049-1f737335b507
