In The News

Pentagon to seek new veterans record system

The Pentagon has decided to buy a new computerized health records system to be able to better share and merge its data with the Department of Veterans Affairs, but officials cautioned that it was part of a "long-term modernization" effort and would not help ease the current backlog in VA disability claims.

Criticism of Veterans Affairs Secretary Mounts Over Backlog in Claims

Though the numbers have grown, delays in processing disability claims are nothing new, and neither are complaints about the backlog. Just last year, some veterans advocates tried to make the backlog a presidential campaign issue. They failed. But this year, something changed: the criticism grew louder and perhaps more partisan, and began reaching a wider audience.

Disabled American Veterans (DAV) Files First-Ever Fully Electronic Claim

More than 200 veterans packed a large hall in Fairfax, Va., Sunday morning, Feb. 17, eager for information about claiming the benefits they earned through their military service. But few of them knew history would be made there that day. As DAV National Appeals Officer Shane Liermann presented an overview of what these veterans could expect entering the claims process, the Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA) was working feverishly with DAV’s National Service staff to ensure the day would be historic.

Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW), Student Veterans of America (SVA) Launch New Initiative to Help Student Veterans

WASHINGTON (May 1, 2013) – The Veterans of Foreign Wars of the U.S. is now offering a new program called "1 Student Veteran" to provide direct assistance to student-veterans who are experiencing problems accessing their GI Bill or other earned benefits provided by the Department of Veterans Affairs.

Former Navy Seabee Given a New Home in Rockport

John Kroll, a 50-year old former U.S. Navy Seabee, served his country for many years. He served in the first Gulf War, and then he was deployed to Iraq again in 2007, where he was severely injured in a helicopter crash. Since then, he has been living with post-traumatic stress disorder in a homeless shelter in Houston, called Camp Hope.

Disabled Veterans Waiting up to 600 Days for Claims

Paul Rieckhoff, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America (IAVA), America’s first and largest organization for Iraq and Afghanistan veterans interviewed on FOX NEWS on the growing concern over backlog of veteran disability benefits

Battling a Backlog, VA says it will Speed Decisions on some Veterans’ Disability Claims

WASHINGTON -- The Department of Veterans Affairs, under fire for the sluggish pace of awarding disability benefits for wounded veterans, announced a new plan Friday to provisionally approve its oldest claims based on the evidence already in its files. The VA said Friday it will begin to focus on claims that have been pending for more than a year – a good chunk of all the claims in the agency’s massive backlog. Beginning immediately, the VA will make provisional decisions on those claims, allowing veterans to begin collecting benefits far sooner. As veterans look to build lives beyond the battlefields of Iraq and Afghanistan, those opting for a career in law now have a chance to attend a growing

Law schools step in to help war veterans

As veterans look to build lives beyond the battlefields of Iraq and Afghanistan, those opting for a career in law now have a chance to attend a growing number of the nation's elite private law schools without paying a dime in tuition. Federal education aid for people who served in the military after the 2001 terrorist attacks covers the full cost of tuition and fees at public schools. But payments for those who attend private institutions are capped and only cover about 35% to 45% of tuition at the top private law schools, which can cost as much as $55,000 per year.

VFW Helps Disabled Veterans Recoup $3.7 Billion

Last year was a banner year for America’s largest combat veterans’ organization. In 2012, the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States helped 125,000 veterans to recoup more than $3.7 billion in earned compensation and pension from the Department of Veterans Affairs. This exceeds 2011’s record totals by 23,000 and almost $1.7 billion, and provides further proof that all eligible veterans and transitioning military members should seek help from an accredited service officer before they file a VA disability claim.

Navy Wounded Warrior - Safe Harbor Enrollment Reaches 1,000

One thousand seriously wounded, ill and injured service members are now enrolled in Navy Wounded Warrior (NWW) - Safe Harbor, the Department of the Navy's support program for Sailors and Coast Guardsmen. "As awareness of this critical program has increased, enrollment numbers have continued to climb," said Capt. Steve Hall, director of NWW. "I urge my shipmates and their families to help us continue spreading the word about NWW so we can reach additional service members who may need a helping hand."