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 »
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 »
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 »
In the age of artificial intelligence, some veterans wonder just how much of the assistance they get from the Department of Veterans Affairs utilizes AI. The VA issued an audit that answers this question, reviewing a whopping 367 artificial intelligence systems currently operating across the VA. Department of Veterans Affairs Using AI in Hundreds of… Read more »
In early March, the Department of Defense tried to terminate DoD labor union contracts via executive order. But a federal lawsuit filed in early July in the U.S. District Court for the District of Maryland challenges a directive from the Secretary of Defense that attempts to comply with that executive order by ordering the termination… Read more »
UPDATE: 7/6/2026: The U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims is reviewing a proposed settlement in a case called Freund v. Collins to correct legacy disability appeals closed by the Department of Veterans Affairs. If approved, the settlement would require audits and a notification process to reopen cases that the VA terminated between December 1990… Read more »
The Department of Veterans Affairs has many programs and benefits for those leaving military service. Some of these options are time-sensitive, and you may have a limited opportunity to apply for some VA benefits. Missing the official deadlines for these programs may result in a permanent loss of benefits such as disability payments and insurance… Read more »
The Transportation Security Administration now provides free TSA PreCheck expedited screening to eligible disabled veterans under the VETS Safe Travel Act. Eligible travelers must complete a validation process to receive a fee waiver code before submitting their application. Free TSA PreCheck for Qualifying Disabled Veterans TSA PreCheck is an expedited security screening option at hundreds… Read more »
On January 2, 2025, the Elizabeth Dole Field and Community-Based Services for Veterans and Caregivers Act, authorizing VET TEC 2.0, was signed into law. More than a year later, the Department of Veterans Affairs started accepting VET TEC 2.0 applications via VA Form 22-10297, transforming the now-expired pilot program into a permanent benefit. But there… Read more »
High school-age dependent children of qualifying veterans lose an important Chapter 35 benefit starting in August of 2026. VA.gov reports the Chapter 35 program will no longer support high school-level college prep or related options, as we discover below. VA Ends DEA Benefits for High School Students In an interview with Federal News Network, VA… Read more »