Once folks decide to leave the military, the primary concern becomes the next step: What do I want to do with my life? The majority of the guys in my infantry company never went to college, so education was the …
Iraq and Afghanistan Veteran
I recently received the news that I had been accepted into DePaul University as a transfer student and I began my trek across the information minefield toward obtaining educational benefits through the Post 9/11 GI Bill. Here’s what I have learned.
Yesterday, I received several messages from Veterans about long hold times for our GI Bill helpline (1-888-GIBILL-1). The most common complaint was that education counselors were unable to be reached, and the earliest appointments for call-backs were for next week. …
Afghanistan War Veteran
Veterans across the country have had major problems obtaining a job because the majority of skills that were acquired through our military service do not translate into the civilian sector—read my possible solution to this problem.
U.S. Navy Veteran
As the war winds down in the next few years, I hope that Vets take advantage of the New G.I. Bill. It can open up endless possibilities for all of us, as we take that next step in life.
Director of Military Initiatives at Southern New Hampshire University
When you ask a recent Veteran about their education plans, they often respond in the future tense. For a variety of reasons, many defer their education goals to some point in the future, when they can better balance the demands of family, career, and school, and take advantage of more generous benefits under the Post-9/11 GI Bill.
Since a revision of the Post-9/11 GI Bill was signed into law at the beginning of the year, we’ve made it a priority to explain the changes that could significantly impact students either attending school or about to start …
Our yearlong deployment to Iraq was officially over. I stood at attention with my fellow soldiers for the last time before being thrown back into the civilian world. It was finally time to shed my desert camouflage uniform. It was …
Iraq War Veteran and spokesperson for Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America
As Veterans, we hold a powerful tool to employ on our quest for a first-rate education: our stories. In the words of a scholarship advisor and friend, we are “exotic.” And people are curious about us. This curiosity can be used to our benefit to help us get the best education possible.
Navy Commander Herb Carmen has a lot on his mind. As an active duty aviator on the Navy staff in Washington, he works under the Director of International Engagement as the branch chief for security cooperation. He’s also training for …
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.
