March 5, 2024, is an important day for millions of veterans. That’s the date the Department of Veterans Affairs chose to accelerate delivery of PACT Act benefits to more beneficiaries ahead of schedule. The result of that acceleration? Any veteran stateside or overseas exposed to toxins may be eligible to apply “directly” for VA healthcare… Read more »
It is no secret that the employment landscape in the United States has changed rapidly due to the disruption of the COVID-19 pandemic and technological advancements such as artificial intelligence (AI). For veterans beginning to navigate the civilian workforce, the employment landscape can be intimidating, but it doesn’t have to be. By understanding the current… Read more »
Approximately 800 thousand veterans use GI Bill military education benefits, and many of those students are directly affected by a major change to how VA benefits are paid. In the spring of 2024, the agency is taking steps to protect veterans and streamline the VA payments system. Those steps end a past VA practice allowing… Read more »
A VA program called VET TEC offers financial assistance to qualifying GI Bill beneficiaries who want to pursue a technology-based career in various high-tech fields. However, the program may be in trouble due to a problem with housing stipend payments. What Is VET TEC? The description of the Department of Veterans Affairs VET TEC pilot… Read more »
The Government Accountability Office (GAO) published a report in 2024 noting that military veterans attending college seek mental health care “at a significantly higher rate than the rest of the veteran population.” That’s unsurprising, given the stress in a student veteran’s life. Still, the GAO report notes that these students (those who self-identify as needing… Read more »
Military members exposed to agent orange but did not serve overseas are now being included in an expansion of VA benefits for those exposed during the Vietnam War and other service eras.
What Is Traumatic Brain Injury? Traumatic Brain Injury, or TBI, can happen in the line of duty or in your civilian life. Whether through combat, being hit by an object in a sports game, an explosion, or a common car crash, any impact on your head may cause TBI. This type of injury is not… Read more »
Veterans and their eligible family members are entitled to many benefits, including some free legal assistance services. Depending on what kind of service you need, there are several avenues for pursuing legal benefits. Several assistance options are available if you need guidance crafting a will or estate plan, reviewing lease/rental agreements and contracts, planning an… Read more »
The Defense Department has expanded a pilot program allowing some military families to renew their military ID cards by mail. A program started in 2023 allowing stateside ID card renewal options for military family members has expanded to include retirees, their dependents, and members of the Reserve to participate. Now, more military families have expanded… Read more »
Have you been affected by a storm, hurricane, forest fire, or landslide? Climate change has extended the seasons for a variety of natural disasters well beyond their traditional dates. In an age where there is an elevated risk of floods, forest fires, and severe storms, more veterans are affected by these problems than ever. Do… Read more »