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U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs - Washington, DC

U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
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  1. RecommendationsSee All
    • Brittany Ann Sandlof
      Why is I have called for two weeks, twice a day, and the lines are busy and I am only given two options 1) To leave a number for a future call or 2) Call back later. I have scheduled and CONFIRMED FOUR times for a call back....have yet to get one call from the VA. I call back multiple times every day for the last two weeks and I cannot get through nor am I given the option to stay on hold. It has been two months and I have yet to get my BAH or my tuition paid. This is insane!
    • Travis Blankenship
      A Veteran can no longer go to a VA appointment to get any sort of medical help, I've been in the system for far too long and need far too many medical treatments to not only be shuffled around by a "Primary Aligned Care Team" whatever the hell that is, it seems to me that it's a group of incompetent non caring interns, but to also be told, "I don't have time or the interest to look in your file and see what needs to be done, I'm only required to see you every 6 months" by my "primary care Dr. Maybe if the focus was more on Veterans actual medical problems instead of pushing smoking cessation classes or what happened on the latest episode of whatever crap filled reality shows the nurses are invested in. You want to know what's really horrible, the best service I've ever received from the VA was from the 95 year old volunteer at the information desk, and I was only looking for the bathroom. Don't worry, it's not the first time, and I'm not the only one. If you would like to know where any of this happened, contact me, I'll be more than happy to fill you in, with all the names you need, but I highly doubt that anyone from any part of the VA, besides us Veterans, even looks at any of these. So I will continue to yell as loud , hard and to who ever I can to at least gets some of the problems out in the open. The last straw has been placed.
    • Blair Knight Taylor
      I'm a quite annoyed that my husband (former Marine who served in Iraq for Operation Iraqi Freedom in 2005) has been denied VA benefits "due to high income." Please allow me to quote the second sentence of the denial letter. "In 2003, VA made the difficult decision to stop enrolling new Priority Group 8 (high income) Veterans in order to assure all Veterans are provided timely and quality medical care." Note very clearly that sentence has a very small but significant word "all." After 'all' our service men and women put their lives at stack, part from their families, and suffer on a daily basis from emotions and memories brought on by defending our nation, wouldn't the smallest thing, such as providing them with health care by the government, be granted to them for their offered time to serve our nation? Beings that it's so easy for the government to provide free health care, child care assistance, housing, food, and education to unemployed, completely capable, and healthy people who simply insist on not working to ensure all free hand outs from the government are given to them. I'm far from perturbed to see that this nation does not wish to assist those who defend our Nation's freedom.
    • Gered Sonya
      Any ideas on how we can help one of our own? http://fox2now.com/2012/09/11/local-korean-war-veteran-faces-eviction/
  2. Photo of the day: Meet Alyce Dixon, one of the first African American women to serve in the U.S. Army and to deploy during World War II. Yesterday, she celebrated her 105th birthday at the Washington DC VA Medical Center. Happy birthday, Ms. Dixon!
    Photo: Photo of the day: Meet Alyce Dixon, one of the first African American women to serve in the U.S. Army and to deploy during World War II. Yesterday, she celebrated her 105th birthday at the Washington DC VA Medical Center. Happy birthday, Ms. Dixon!
  3. The House has voted to restrict GI Bill funds from schools that pay bounties for recruiting students. The method is used to get as many students in the door as possible without much thought to finding the right program--and that's an unacceptable practice for Veterans looking to use hard earned benefits. Learn more below. -Alex Horton
  4. A lot has changed in the last 11 years, including the lives of Veterans who have deployed, in some cases multiple times. While we mourn those who have given their lives, either in war or in the terrorist attacks of September 11, we should also remember to transform ourselves for the better by serving others. Learn how some Veterans groups are doing that at the link below. -Alex Horton
  5. We're committed to ending Veteran homelessness by 2015, and our work isn't over yet. If you're homeless or in danger of becoming homeless, please use the resources at the link below, or contact 1-877-4AID-VET. -Alex Horton
  6. Eleven years ago today, nearly 3,000 Americans lost their lives in the September 11 attacks. While that day tested us as a nation, we came together—not just in the immediate hours and days after the attacks, but over the past decade. Today,...
    we remember and honor the lives lost at the Pentagon, the World Trade Center, and aboard United Airlines Flight 93—and we remember the servicemembers who have given their lives in defense of our country since then. (Photo by Petty Officer 1st Class Brandan Schulze)
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    Photo: Eleven years ago today, nearly 3,000 Americans lost their lives in the September 11 attacks. While that day tested us as a nation, we came together—not just in the immediate hours and days after the attacks, but over the past decade. Today, we remember and honor the lives lost at the Pentagon, the World Trade Center, and aboard United Airlines Flight 93—and we remember the servicemembers who have given their lives in defense of our country since then. (Photo by Petty Officer 1st Class Brandan Schulze)
  7. VA and the Department of Defense collaborated together to launch a suicide awareness campaign. "Stand by Them: Help a Veteran" is aimed at spouses, family members, and friends of Veterans that may be in crisis. Learn more below, and be sure to take down the number to the Veterans Crisis Line: 1-800-273-8255. -Alex Horton
  8. Photo of the day: Deputy Secretary of Veterans Affairs W. Scott Gould spoke today about suicide prevention and the importance of showing support for Veterans in crisis. “Knowing the signs of crisis and where to turn for support can help sav...
    e a life,” said Deputy Secretary Gould. “Everyone can make a difference. We encourage Veterans’ and Servicemembers’ loved ones and members of the community to show their support for them during Suicide Prevention Month by becoming familiar with the signs of suicide risk and doing their part to let all Veterans and Servicemembers know that confidential support is only a call, click or text away.”
    See More
    Photo: Photo of the day: Deputy Secretary of Veterans Affairs W. Scott Gould spoke today about suicide prevention and the importance of showing support for Veterans in crisis. “Knowing the signs of crisis and where to turn for support can help save a life,” said Deputy Secretary Gould.  “Everyone can make a difference. We encourage Veterans’ and Servicemembers’ loved ones and members of the community to show their support for them during Suicide Prevention Month by becoming familiar with the signs of suicide risk and doing their part to let all Veterans and Servicemembers know that confidential support is only a call, click or text away.”
  9. September is Suicide Prevention Month, and it's a reminder that mental health doesn't have to be a battle waged on your own. Family members, spouses, and friends can help get you back on the right path. Check out our new PSA, "Side by Side," to hear real Veterans explain the power of someone having their back. -Alex Horton
  10. Battle buddies have kept you safe in war and stateside, and now there's evidence to suggest they can keep you healthy, too. At the link below, learn how joining a peer support group can help Veterans struggling with obesity and diabetes. -Alex Horton
  11. In encouraging news, the unemployment rate for all Veterans has fallen to 6.6%, which is below the national rate. And while unemployment for our newest Vets rose from last month, it's still trending downward in the long term. That said, there's still a lot of work to be done to help Veterans find meaningful employment. -Alex Horton
  12. Photo of the Day: Navy Lt. Bradley Snyder wins the 400M freestyle gold at the Paralympics, exactly one year after he lost his eyesight to an explosion in Afghanistan. Thank you for your service, and congratulations, Lt. Snyder! (photo by Getty Images.)
    Photo: Photo of the Day:  Navy Lt. Bradley Snyder wins the 400M freestyle gold at the Paralympics, exactly one year after he lost his eyesight to an explosion in Afghanistan. Thank you for your service, and congratulations, Lt. Snyder! (photo by Getty Images.)
  13. VA education benefits help to educate hundreds of thousands of Veterans, but they're also a target of for-profit schools that may not provide the best education for student Vets. At the piece below, two Veterans discuss this issue, along with other tips to help new students succeed on campus. -Alex Horton
  14. Photo of the day: Edgardo (left) and Juan Perez served in the U.S. Army. Both father and son deployed to Iraq and Afghanistan. They are photographed during a homecoming ceremony in 2004. Thank you both for your service!
    Photo: Photo of the day: Edgardo (left) and Juan Perez served in the U.S. Army. Both father and son deployed to Iraq and Afghanistan. They are photographed during a homecoming ceremony in 2004. Thank you both for your service!
  15. The Veterans Crisis Line offers free, confidential support to Veterans in crisis, as well as their family and friends. Save this number if you ever need to reach out for help: 1-800-273-8255 and press 1. You can also chat online at the link below or text professional responders at 838255 -Alex Horton
  16. Photo of the day: Michael Pirich served in the U.S. Navy. He is photographed while serving onboard the USS Kitty Hawk CVA-63 in the Gulf of Tonkin, 1969. Thank you for your service, Michael!
    Photo: Photo of the day: Michael Pirich served in the U.S. Navy. He is photographed while serving onboard the USS Kitty Hawk CVA-63 in the Gulf of Tonkin, 1969. Thank you for your service, Michael!
  17. Looking for health care information? Our A-Z Index has information on everything from eligibility to hearing aids, prescription refills, traumatic brain injury, military sexual trauma, and more. Check it out below. –Kate Hoit
  18. Photo of the day: Scott Wood served in the U.S. Army as a Crew Chief on an OH-58A Kiowa. He is photographed at Fort Wainwright, Alaska in 1981. Thank you for your service, Scott!
    Photo: Photo of the day: Scott Wood served in the U.S. Army as a Crew Chief on an OH-58A Kiowa. He is photographed at Fort Wainwright, Alaska in 1981. Thank you for your service, Scott!
  19. VA Supportive Housing vouchers have helped Veterans in south Nevada get off the street and into more stable housing. Learn more below, and if you're homeless or at risk of becoming homeless, please call 1-877-424-3838 or visit www.va.gov/homeless/ for more resources. -Alex Horton
  20. Today marks the 67th anniversary of Japan's surrender and the official end of World War II. Often called V-J Day (for Victory over Japan), today is a time to remember and honor the sacrifices of those who served our nation, and the world. Check out videos, photos, and resources about our post-war legacy in Japan. -Alex Horton
  21. Catch up on Veterans news and resources with this week's intel report. -Alex Horton
  22. Photo of the day: U.S. Army Veteran and Paralympian Eric Hollen became the first USA Shooting Team member to compete in the Paralympic Games. He placed 14th overall after shooting a 558 out of a possible 600 points in the P1 Men’s SH1 10-meter Air Pistol event! We wish Team USA the best of luck! (Photo courtesy of U.S. Paralympics)
    Photo: Photo of the day: U.S. Army Veteran and Paralympian Eric Hollen became the first USA Shooting Team member to compete in the Paralympic Games. He placed 14th overall after shooting a 558 out of a possible 600 points in the P1 Men’s SH1 10-meter Air Pistol event! We wish Team USA the best of luck! (Photo courtesy of U.S. Paralympics)
  23. Did you know VA offers home loans to qualified Veterans? VA backed home loans usually close faster than conventional loans, and they're among few (if any) that don't require down payments. Learn more below. -Alex Horton
  24. The Veterans Retraining Assistance Program has approved nearly 38,000 applications, with more to come. If you’re an unemployed Veteran 35-60 years old and meet the qualifications, check out the over 200 high demand jobs that qualify for training assistance. –Alex Horton
  25. Photo of the day: Daniel J. Bratton Jr. served in the U.S. Marine Corps. He is photographed inside a tank during his deployment to Iraq. Thank you for your service, Daniel!
    Photo: Photo of the day: Daniel J. Bratton Jr. served in the U.S. Marine Corps. He is photographed inside a tank during his deployment to Iraq. Thank you for your service, Daniel!
  26. The Veterans Crisis Line offers free, confidential support to Veterans in crisis, as well as their family and friends. Save this number if you ever need to reach out for help: 1-800-273-8255 and press 1. You can also chat online at the link below or text professional responders at 838255. More information below. –Alex Horton
  27. Photo of the day: Tom Glenn served in the U.S. Air Force. He is photographed in Pleiku, Vietnam in 1968. Thank you for your service, Tom!
    Photo: Photo of the day: Tom Glenn served in the U.S. Air Force. He is photographed in Pleiku, Vietnam in 1968. Thank you for your service, Tom!
  28. Women make up a growing percentage of the Veteran population, and they have unique health needs and concerns. At the link below, VA's Center for Women Veterans has compiled the top 25 questions female Vets ask, along with answers and resources. Check it out. -Alex Horton
  29. Photo of the day: Edward Maloney served in the U.S. Army with the 92nd Military Police Battalion. He is photographed in Vietnam, June 1969. Thank you for your service, Edward!
    Photo: Photo of the day: Edward Maloney served in the U.S. Army with the 92nd Military Police Battalion. He is photographed in Vietnam, June 1969. Thank you for your service, Edward!
  30. The transition from the military to the classroom can be difficult for some Veterans, not just in their studies, but the new social environment of campus as well. In the piece below, Iraq Vet and college junior Alex Horton explains how some student Veterans are facing the challenging situation. -Kate Hoit
  31. Tropical Storm Isaac is in the Gulf and threatening to become a hurricane. If you live in its path, your VA care may be affected, so we've put something together to help you stay connected. Get local VA facility Facebook and Twitter links, contact information, and hurricane preparation resources at the link below. -Alex Horton
  32. Photo of the day: Diana de Avila served in the U.S. Army. She is photographed at Military Police School in Ft. McClellan, 1983. Thank you for your service, Diana!
    Photo: Photo of the day: Diana de Avila served in the U.S. Army. She is photographed at Military Police School in Ft. McClellan, 1983. Thank you for your service, Diana!
  33. Improving health care for women Veterans has been a priority for VA over the last several years as the number of female Vets has climbed. At the piece below, The American Legion describes VA's Women Veterans Health Transformation Initiative, which has led to better practices and better care. But we still have a ways to go to make sure all Vets are treated equally. -Alex Horton
  34. Nearly nine years ago, Sergeant First Class Josh Olson lost his right leg after being hit by an RPG in Tel Afar, Iraq. After months of recuperating at Walter Reed and undergoing over 20 surgeries—SFC Olson found a new mission is competitive shooting. In three days, he will be competing with Team USA at the London 2012 Paralympic Games. Check out his inspiring story below. –Kate Hoit
  35. Photo of the Day: Paul W. Coonelly is photographed at the Tan San Nuit Airbase in Vietnam in 1968. Thank you for your service, Paul!
    Photo: Photo of the Day: Paul W. Coonelly is photographed at the Tan San Nuit Airbase in Vietnam in 1968. Thank you for your service, Paul!
  36. VA has data. Lots of it. But data isn't useful until you can interpret and analyze it in order to increase efficiency and best practices. In the piece below, learn how a recently launched data project will help VA better anticipate the needs of Veterans, which will result in better care. -Alex Horton