National Director Homeless Programs, Veterans Health Administration
Communities across the country are helping to raise awareness of Veteran homelessness so that millions of Americans can live better lives. VA is doing its part to give Veterans and their families the help and services they need to get back on their feet.
U.S. Marine Corps Veteran
The lesson I want to pass on to everyone is this: do something when you come home. We all don’t have PTSD, but we all come back different. Do something that consumes your whole mind when you come home. Follow through with it—I did.
A few weeks ago, VA held its first career fair and expo in Washington D.C., drawing more than 4,100 Veterans from the mid-Atlantic region. On Thursday, we got some numbers back from the event: Over 500 Veterans walked away with …
Iraq War Veteran
With lots of press but little fanfare, the last remaining troops stationed in Iraq began packing up shop and heading home. I wanted to take a moment to thank my fellow Iraq Veterans for all of their dedicated service over the years.
Iraq War Veteran
Through this poem, I have PTSD, Wesley hopes that other veterans and their family members will be driven to seek the help they may need.
If traumatic brain injury is the signature wound of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, then improvised explosive devices are the signature weapons. The concussive force from the blast rattles brains against the skull, which can result in devastating and …
“Kate, what exactly is a Veteran?” my friend Seth asked. Perplexed at what sounded like a naive question, I began to rattle off my answer. “Well, a Veteran is someone who has served in the Armed Forces. . .” He …
U.S. Air Force Veteran
I always say I have been in the Air Force for 50 years. I have been a dependent daughter, spouse, active duty and I am currently a participating Air Force Reservist. I was active duty from 1983 to 1992, and I have been a member of the Air Force Reserves since 1995.
There’s often a misconception among Veterans about VA employees and who they are. But the fact is, VA employs over 100,000 Veterans—about 30 percent of our work force. And with rising unemployment among America’s younger Veterans, it’s important that we …
IAVA’s Acting Membership Director
I’d technically been a veteran since 2005, when I got back from my tour in Iraq, but I certainly never felt like one. Even when, on very rare occasions, I called myself a veteran, I never self-identified as one.
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.
