As a young child, Dr. Margaret Harrell boasted a vernacular far different from the rest of her classmates. While other fathers were accountants and lawyers, her father was in the military, where she picked up a dizzying array of acronyms …
Director, VA Innovation Initiative
The VA Innovation Initiative (VAi2) launched the 2012 “Industry Innovation Competition” today, inviting the private sector to design game-changing ways of solving some of the toughest challenges facing VA as it continues its pursuit of the very best for our Veterans.
Veteran Business Conference support
Still have questions about whether to attend the National Veteran Small Business Conference? A conference attendee tells me why he plans to return to the Conference this year.
U.S. Army Veteran
When I was in the Army, my job was to tell the stories of those with whom I served. As a veteran, it took me a while to realize my mission hadn’t changed. It took an exceptional program with a story that demanded I tell it in order to make my mission clear.
When I sat down with several of VA’s women leaders for Women’s History Month, I couldn’t help but be overwhelmed by their determination and passion; their sense of responsibility and gratitude; their focus on all things associated with women Veterans. …
This week’s round-up of Veteran news and resources: The National Disabled Veterans Winter Sports Clinic will kick off this Sunday. Check out this story on how it can positively impact the lives of disabled Veterans, and follow VA Adaptive Sports …
Biomedical anthropologist
Since the Department of Veteran Affairs has recently been granted funds meant to further research into the effectiveness of alternative therapies for wounded veterans, people are expressing a renewed interest in learning more about alternative therapy methods.
U.S. Army Veteran
The VA is dragging their feet with the claims process—if they are under staffed and cannot handle what is required of them to process these claims in a respectable amount of time, our Government Leaders should step in and do what it takes to make sure we are taken care of.
On March 21, the Bureau of Labor Statistics released its 2011 report on the unemployment situation of Veterans. Unfortunately, some news outlets and Veterans organizations have keyed on a single statistical measure—the mean (average)—that, when taken out of context, is …
Director for Homeless Veteran Initiatives at the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
VA’s efforts to provide housing and health care support for women Veterans have never been more critical. The number of homeless women Veterans continues to rise. As a result, VA is taking steps to improve and expand its services for women Veterans who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless.
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.
