Yesterday and today, Dr. Tommy Sowers, our new Assistant Secretary of Public and Intergovernmental Affairs, walked the halls of the Chicago Regional Office to see for himself how claims are received, processed, and delivered. Along the way, he tweeted photos …
U.S. Air Force Veteran; Communications Specialist, Veterans Benefits Administration
More than 8 million women in the United States have heart disease. So many in fact, that heart disease is the number one killer of women, killing nearly 500,000 every year.
Missions, raids, patrols, clearing, firefights: no sweat. That was the daily rhythm of my unit’s deployment to Iraq. We were tasked with massive operations to root out insurgents, and in some cases undermanned and outgunned by an entrenched foe. We …
Of all the things drilled into you in the military, “leave no man or woman behind” might be the most uncompromising ethos of them all. The military would fail its mission if troops didn’t operate under complete faith and trust, …
Public affairs specialist, National Cemeteries Administration; Desert Storm Veteran
James O’ Neal Hughes was a staff sergeant for the Defense Intelligence Agency when he and 64 other Americans were taken hostage in Iran in 1979.
National Director of Homeless Evaluation, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
During the past year, VA provided Supportive Services for Veteran Families (SSVF) Program grants to community organizations across the country, helping more than 28,000 Veterans and their family members in the first 10 months of program operations.
The guys in my infantry squad were always lighting up another cigarette. Before patrols, during patrols, after long missions and endless guard tower stints—it was an endless cycle that relieved stress and gave idle hands something to do. But now …
U.S. Army Veteran; Public Affairs Specialist, Veterans Health Administration
‘We have arrived let’s begin!” Nine women Veterans of the first ever all female team know they are about to be a part of something very special at the 5th National Veterans Summer Sports Clinic.
More than a hundred recently disabled Veterans have descended upon San Diego for this year’s National Veterans Summer Sports Clinic for a week of cycling, surfing, sailing, kayaking and more–all to help Veterans reengage in life using adaptive sports, and …
This week’s roundup of Veterans news and resources: The Veterans Crisis Line has fielded 500,000 calls from Veterans since 2007, which has lead to 20,000 rescues of Veterans in a mental health crisis. Veterans can call 24/7 at 1-800-273-8255, chat …
VA Decreasing GI Bill Processing Time with New Automation Tools
14 Feb 2013
Communications specialist with the Veterans Benefits Administration
Roger W. Baker, the Department of Veterans Affairs Assistant Secretary for Information and Technology testified today before the House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs Subcommittee on Economic Opportunity.
Love Your Heart
14 Feb 2013
Registered Dietitian at the Dayton, OH VA Medical Center
Did you know that cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in the United States? This February, in honor of American Heart Month, join the fight against heart disease and love your heart.
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.
