Veteran Benefits in Jeopardy? VA Faces $3 Billion Budget Problem
The VA faces a budget shortfall that could affect veteran benefits. The gap is estimated to be nearly $15 billion over the next few years. Learn more.
Veteran Benefits
VA Warns Veterans About Disability Benefits Fraud
The Department of Veterans Affairs reports “increasing scams” involving VA Disability Benefits Questionnaires (DBQs) used to process veteran claims. The VA began an awareness campaign in 2024 to help applicants understand how to “successfully” complete and submit DBQ forms and avoid becoming the victims of disability benefits fraud. What is a DBQ? A DBQ is… Read more »
VA Ends Support For DS Logon, MyHealtheVet Sign-In
In September 2025, the VA discontinues support for the existing platforms commonly used to access VA apps, websites, benefits, and records . The VA announced a transition to a “more modern sign-in experience” utilizing Login.gov and ID.me. Learn more.
Applying for VA Healthcare Benefits
The Department of Veterans Affairs offers education benefits and disability compensation for qualifying veterans. It also provides various healthcare treatment benefits and services for veterans and qualifying family members. Healthcare is provided to all qualifying veterans, but some benefits, like dental care, have additional eligibility requirements. The full scope of VA benefits may depend on… Read more »
VA Bariatric Surgery Options for Veterans
The National Institutes of Health (NIH) official site describes bariatric surgery as “an operation that changes the digestive system. It is intended for people who have obesity and need to lose weight but have not been able to do so through other means.” If you are a military service member or veteran struggling with your… Read more »
Lawmakers Urge VA to Keep Community Medical Care Options
In 2018, the VA MISSION Act was signed into law, creating a new veteran program designed to expand access to community healthcare options. The MISSION Act, also known as the VA Maintaining Internal Systems and Strengthening Integrated Outside Networks Act of 2018, ended the previous Veterans Choice Program. But in July of 2024, a group… Read more »
President Biden Pardons Service Members Convicted Under Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell
President Biden has issued a pardon for service members convicted of so-called “sodomy laws” forbidding what used to be called “homosexual conduct” by the DoD. The pardon allows those forced out of the military for identifying as LGTBQ+ to have their discharges reviewed and upgraded where approved. Learn more.
Federal Judge Rules Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell Lawsuit May Proceed
Update: In June 2024, President Joe Biden issued a pardon for those convicted of violations of UCMJ Article 125 which formerly prohibited so-called “homosexual conduct.” At press time, there is no indication of how this pardon may affect the lawsuit, which is discussed below. This is an ongoing story. A federal court in California ruled… Read more »
Lawmakers Move To Help Victims of Camp Lejeune Water Contamination
Close to two thousand lawsuits have been filed against the federal government related to the human cost of what the online publication Roll Call reports as “decades of contaminated drinking water at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune.” But progress on those lawsuits is slow and some in Washington want to change that. It’s telling that… Read more »
VA Updates PACT Act Presumptive Conditions List
The VA PACT Act passed in 2022, providing VA health care and benefits for Veterans exposed to burn pits, Agent Orange, and other toxic substances. Learn more.