The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) published an interim final rule on February 17, 2026, changing the procedure for assigning VA disability ratings. This rule moves the VA from what are known as “unmedicated” baseline disability assessments to evaluations based on “actual functional impairment” while a veteran is under a prescribed treatment plan. While that… Read more »
The Department of Veterans Affairs says it wants to overhaul its veteran community dental care program and seeks a third-party administrator to manage a nationwide military dental care network. The VA opened a call for proposals in early February 2026, seeking a vendor to recruit and credential licensed dental professionals. The goal is to end coverage gaps for veterans and offer new options to those who need it based on a prioritized tier-based system.
The Department of Veterans Affairs has increased its benefits cap for in-home and community-based services for veterans with qualifying complex medical conditions. The VA Skilled Home Health Care program provides support for veterans transitioning from a hospital or nursing facility to their private residence. It also provides long-term support for individuals with ongoing medical needs.
The House of Representatives passed the Veterans Scam and Fraud Evasion Act (VSAFE) in late January 2026, a bill designed to protect the military community from fraud. The legislation, if signed into law, establishes a Veterans Scam and Fraud Evasion Officer within the Department of Veterans Affairs to supplement the ongoing VSAFE program. Veteran Fraud… Read more »
The Department of Defense has officially acknowledged that veterans of the 1991 Gulf War were likely exposed to chemical nerve agents. This announcement was made following decades of veterans and activists asking the federal government for transparency regarding toxic exposures related to military service. Learn more.
Learn about the new VA limits on benefit apportionment. Important changes for veteran disability payments to dependents are coming soon.
The transition from active duty to retirement marks one of the most important milestones in your military career. It affects your income, your education benefit options, and your healthcare. Those enrolled in TRICARE when they “drop papers” for retirement should know that healthcare changes are common as well. Do you know how to prepare? Military… Read more »
Did you know that, in some cases, military retirement pay awarded to a servicemember after leaving the military can be reduced? Military members are entitled to draw their retirement pay for life, but it is subject to reduction or recalculation under certain circumstances after a service member transitions to the civilian world. Can the DoD… Read more »
In late 2025, the Department of Veterans Affairs announced an almost complete ban on abortion services and abortion counseling for veterans and their dependents. This decision was announced as being “effective immediately,” ending access to VA healthcare services and referral options for abortion previously available, including for cases of rape or incest.
The Department of Veterans Affairs announced a restructuring of its Veterans Health Administration health care management system in early 2026. Designed to eliminate bureaucracy and standardize patient services, the VA claims that, as part of this process, it does not plan to lay off doctors or nurses (at press time).