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, which took effect on 1 August, 2026. VA.gov is now updated to show that the Chapter 35 program will no longer support high school-level college prep or related options. Military.com reports, “What is ending is the specific use of DEA for high… Read more »
UPDATED July 21 2026: As of July 21, 2026, the Take Care of America’s Veterans Act (H.R. 9237) is stalled in the House of Representatives. Leadership pulled the legislation from a floor vote on July 16, 2026, and the bill lacks the votes to pass due to internal disagreement over funding of certain benefits. Proponents… Read more »
Military retirees medically retired due to combat injuries before completing a 20-year career face a dollar-for-dollar reduction in military retirement benefits because a federal rule requires these retirees to choose between receiving VA disability pay and military retirement pay. The Major Richard Star Act would, if passed, eliminate this and permit “concurrent receipt” of both retirement… Read more »
The Department of Veterans Affairs’ official site states that student applications for the high-technology VET TEC 2.0 program will begin to be accepted in June 2026. Those who visited the official site between the end of the original VET TEC pilot program and press time found the following message: “Our application isn’t available yet. When… Read more »
Lawmakers have introduced two major proposed laws aimed at modernizing military transition support and reducing hazards to fight an ongoing veteran suicide crisis. These bills would address gaps in federal outreach, focusing in part on the 12-month window following a service member’s departure from active duty. Research shows that during this initial year of civilian… Read more »
The Department of Veterans Affairs has announced a clinical trial to evaluate the safety and efficacy of methylenedioxymethamphetamine-assisted therapy or MDMA therapy. It’s a controversial move for a variety of reasons, including the fact that MDMA is prohibited for troops to use recreationally, and the drug has a reputation associated with raves and illegal drug… Read more »
A federal lawsuit in the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit seeks to overturn a Department of Veterans Affairs rule restricting reproductive healthcare access for veterans and their families. Veteran Advocates Sue VA Over Abortion Care Policies The challenged policy seeks to end healthcare exceptions implemented in 2022, regarding abortion services and counseling… Read more »