Last year, VA pledged to add 1600 mental health clinicians and 300 support staff, an increase of about 10 percent, in order to better serve the needs of Veterans (and cut down on wait times). And earlier today, we announced …
This week’s wrap-up of Veterans news and resources: When doctors look to predict outcomes, they rely heavily on historical data to guide them to better treatment. VA researchers in Palo Alto and elsewhere have been awash in traumatic brain injury …
As the population of student Veterans continues to grow at hundreds of campuses across the country, so does the need to tell our side of the story. It’s an important thing to get right; student Vet graduates are a pool …
When I discussed the possibility of employment at VA with my future boss, he asked if I had used VA services myself. “Just the GI Bill,” I said. “I’m not going to take my chances in a VA hospital.” I …
There have been a few times I’ve used VA services when I’ve asked, “Why do they need this information from me? Isn’t it out there somewhere?” This is especially true for anyone who has had to fill out an eligibility …
Your end of the week wrap-up of Veterans news and resources: The National Day of Service is Saturday, January 19, and it’s a reminder that any day can be one of service to your nation or community. Check out how …
Far and away, the biggest concern I hear from Veterans is the disability backlog. From knowing where to start, to the paperwork and appointments—and then the wait for a decision with care and benefits on the line—the whole process can …
Your end of week roundup of Veterans news and resources: Historically, we haven’t been great at determining how well student Veterans are performing. That’s why VA teamed up with Student Veterans of America and the National Student Clearinghouse to get …
For those who served in Vietnam, recent news of Sen. Chuck Hagel’s nomination as Secretary of Defense should come as welcomed news. If confirmed, Sen. Hagel would become the first Vietnam Veteran to head the Pentagon. VA Secretary Eric Shinseki, …
Another year is coming to the close, so we thought we’d do a big link drop for resources and useful information to keep you going through the New Year. Health We often mention the Veterans Crisis Line and how it …
The Benefits of a Paperless Claim
13 Feb 2013
Supervisory Veterans Service Representative; Team Lead for VBMS Transformation at the Salt Lake City Regional Office
While standing outside the audiology clinic at the George E. Wahlen VA Medical Center, a Veteran explained to me that he was deaf in one ear, had significant hearing loss in his other ear, and that he was in need of hearing aids. He could not afford them and was hoping VA could help. Staff at VA’s audiology clinic recommended the Vet file a VA disability compensation claim for his hearing loss.
Valor Games coming to more cities in 2013
11 Feb 2013
U.S. Marine Corps Veteran; Public Affairs Officer, Office of National Veterans Sports Programs & Special Events
This year, Veterans with physical disabilities will have more opportunities to get active and involved in sports. The Valor Games are coming to more cities across the country this year.
VBA Twitter Town Hall Series: Disability Compensation
8 Feb 2013
U.S. Army Veteran; Communications Specialist, Veterans Benefits Administration
Last Thursday, the Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA) continued our monthly Twitter town hall series with an event focused on VA disability compensation exams.
Blue Button for America
5 Feb 2013
Presidential innovation fellows working on Blue Button for America at the Department of Veterans Affairs.
In August 2010, President Obama announced the Blue Button. Today, it has been downloaded 2.7 million times and the program has been adopted by both the Department of Defense and the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services.
VA Disability Compensation Increases in 2013
4 Feb 2013
Communications specialist, Veterans Benefits Administration
Last month, the more than four million Veterans and survivors who receive compensation benefits from VA saw an increase of 1.7 percent in their total monthly payment.
Building Renovation to Help Homeless Veterans
1 Feb 2013
VA Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System
Sixty-five homeless Veterans will have a chance to transition back into society when the renovation of a building is completed at the West Los Angeles VA Medical Center.
Tell Your Story – Apply to Become a Tillman Military Scholar
24 Jan 2013
U.S. Air Force Veteran and 2012 Tillman Military Scholar
Every member of the military has a story and they are as varied and unique as the individuals who have chosen to serve their country…and this is mine.The Pat Tillman Foundation wants you to tell your story in your own words while they help alleviate some of the financial obstacles that impede your ability to achieve your educational and career goals.
Keeping in Touch: VBA Conducts Outreach and Collects Feedback
18 Jan 2013
U.S. Army Veteran; Communications Specialist, Veterans Benefits Administration
Representatives from VBA’s Benefits Assistance Service (BAS) conduct dozens of outreach activities each year. It’s just one of the many ways VBA stays in contact with the Veterans we serve.
