March 16, 2021 – Veterans impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic may get some relief. President Biden’s plan called the American Rescue Plan has now been passed. A portion of this plan is focused on the Veterans Administration to improve the lives of veterans nationwide. $17 billion was given to the Veterans Administration to aid in health care, housing support...
Continue ReadingMarch 13, 2021 – March 13th is a day recognizing the dedicated K9 units who served. The military has developed a variety of training methods for K9 units. March 13th is also the official birthday of the US Army K9 Corps, which was formed in 1942. Military working dogs are trained to protect humans in dangerous situations and have...
Continue ReadingMarch 10, 2021 – Veterans can now receive updates digitally through VANotify. Veterans are not required to sign up for VANotify and the VA is now using this to communicate with veterans receiving services by the Veterans Administration. In order for Veterans to be notified they must have all of their contact information on file and up to date...
Continue ReadingMarch 4, 2021 – Did you know March is Multiple Sclerosis Awareness month? Veterans who have symptoms and/or diagnosis of Multiple Sclerosis in the military, or within 7 years from the time they discharge honorably from the military service, may be eligible for disability benefits compensation. Reference: “Multiple Sclerosis Centers of Excellence”, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, Multiple Sclerosis...
Continue ReadingMarch 3, 2021 – An airbase in southern Uzbekistan known as K2 was used by the US Military to support missions in Afghanistan after the 9/11 terrorist attacks. Between 2001-2005, it was reported there was “glowing green pond water” and “black ooze from the ground and signs that warned radiation.” A 2004 military assessment determined there was a potential...
Continue ReadingMarch 2, 2021 – Did you know March is Brain Injury Awareness Month? Many veterans who suffered a head injury sustained a Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI). Preventative measures and awareness have increased thanks to multiple studies over the last several decades. A TBI can be serious and it is important to seek treatment. Common symptoms include severe or persistent...
Continue ReadingFebruary 26, 2021 – Disability payments to more than 160,000 veterans could be added if high blood pressure is added to the list of presumed illnesses related to Agent Orange exposure. Senate Veterans Affairs Committee Chairman Jon Tester stated, “I think it’s nearly criminal that they don’t already have those benefits.” The National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medine...
Continue ReadingFebruary 24, 2021 – A plan made by the new VA Secretary Denis McDonough will assist veterans who were exposed to Agent Orange. The goal is to implement new rules and a “faster path to receiving disability benefits.” Reference: Shane, III, Leo, “VA Secretary promises ‘urgency’ in implementing new Agent Orange presumptive benefit rules”, militarytimes.com, https://www.militarytimes.com/news/pentagon-congress/2021/02/23/va-secretary-promises-urgency-in-implementing-new-agent-orange-presumptive-benefits-rules/
Continue ReadingSeptember 15, 2020 – Comedian Jon Stewart defends Veterans looking for burn pit relief. Reference: NBC News, Sept. 15, 2020, https://www.nbcnews.com/video/-we-always-have-money-for-war-jon-stewart-defends-veterans-looking-for-burn-pit-relief-91793989593
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