VA and DOD have taken the first step in creating a comprehensive system that allows the streamlined transition of health care records between DOD and the VA. Both Departments will work together to create a system that will ultimately contain administrative and medical information throughout their military career, and after they leave the military.
In February, VA announced that the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act authorized a new benefit for Filipino Veterans who aided American troops during World War II. The VA Regional Office in Manila is now accepting claims for this one-time payment of $9,000 for non–U.S. citizens and $15,000 for Filipino Veterans with U.S. citizenship. Claims need to be received no later than Feb. 16, 2010. (claim form)
The 2009 Edition of VA's Federal Benefits for Veterans, Dependents and Survivors booklet is available. The booklet provides the rates for certain federal payments and outlines many programs and services provided by VA and other federal agencies. It also includes toll-free phone numbers, Internet addresses and a directory of VA facilities throughout the country.
