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Veteran Benefits

The Purple Heart

The Purple Heart is the oldest military decoration in the United States, honoring those wounded or killed in action. Unlike medals for valor, which may depend on the recommendation of a commander, the Purple Heart is awarded to any service member who meets the requirements of the award. The Purple Heart is similar to the… Read more »

The Medal of Honor

The Medal of Honor is the highest military decoration awarded by the Department of Defense. The President presents it in the name of Congress to members of the armed forces who distinguish themselves through acts that came at the risk of life above and beyond the call of duty. The Medal of Honor is reserved… Read more »

Government Watchdog: VA Hasn’t Acted on 28 Recommendations

In the summer of 2026, the Government Accountability Office sent a report addressed to VA Secretary Doug Collins. That report includes the following. “Since 2010, we and others have found that VA has faced longstanding challenges overseeing its vast health care system to provide quality and timely access to health care for veterans. “ Government… Read more »

Taxable and Non-Taxable Military Benefits

Military pay is taxable, but not all military benefits are. Some are excluded by law, including hostile fire pay and housing allowances. Find out more.

Federal Trade Commission, AARP Warn of VA Impersonators

The Federal Trade Commission and the AARP are warning veterans and currently serving troops of military benefits scams targeting those about to transition from military to civilian life. Federal Trade Commission, AARP Warn of VA Impersonators The FTC warns that scammers may contact veterans, posing as VA officials supposedly authorized to collect fees for VA… Read more »

VA Announces Major AI Integration Through Partnership With Salesforce

The Department of Veterans Affairs has committed to integrating Artificial Intelligence into its operations through a partnership with Salesforce. VA Announces Major AI Integration Through Partnership With Salesforce Salesforce is a cloud-based Customer Relationship Management software company meant to help businesses manage sales, clients, and customer service. This company announced a three-year partnership with the… Read more »

DD214-1 Form Standardizes Guard and Reserve Discharge Paperwork

Traditionally, members of the Guard and Reserve had different requirements for service, career progress, and discharge than their active duty counterparts. But that’s been changing over the years with reforms and updated procedures. One of those reforms? Streamlining discharge documentation for the Guard/Reserve. DD214-1 Form Standardizes Guard and Reserve Discharge Paperwork DOD Instruction 1336.01, drafted… Read more »

How to Get a Military ID Card as a Surviving Spouse

Military spouses are entitled to dependent ID cards that provide access to military bases, AAFES stores, the Commissary, TRICARE, and more. Military spouses can use their ID cards to claim military benefits, as well as retail discounts and other perks. But what happens when the military member dies? Does the spouse lose their access, privileges,… Read more »

VA, HHS Announce Psychedelic Therapy Trials

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) signed a five-year memorandum of understanding on July 13, 2026, addressing psychedelic-assisted therapies and their potential use by veterans in the federal healthcare system. VA, HHS Announce Psychedelic Therapy Trials This agreement allows both agencies to coordinate clinical trials, build… Read more »