Veterans receiving disability payments might have been overpaid or underpaid, IG finds

Article Title: Veterans receiving disability payments might have been underpaid, IG finds

Article Excerpt: "The IG found errors in an automatic calculator that may have been used as far back as 2017 to determine veterans monthly disability checks. ...It’s unclear how far back the miscalculations go, but some veterans with particularly serious disabilities — like amputations — may have been short-changed anywhere from $132.74 to $4,170.59 in their monthly disability checks. Other veterans may have received overpayments as high as $373.18, according to a VA Inspector General report released this week. In unearthing the errors in the VA’s payment calculation system, the IG did not examine any actual payments made to veterans, and did not determine whether any actual veterans had been underpaid. Instead, the report found that the VA’s “overreliance” on a specific computer program “could have resulted in incorrect monthly benefits payments.” ..."

Reference Source: taskandpurpose.com

VA.GOV | Find a VA form

Article Title: VA.GOV | Find a VA form

Article Excerpt: "Search for a VA form by keyword, form name, or form number. You can now do many form-based tasks online, like filing a disability claim and applying for the GI Bill or VA health care. We’ll walk you through the process step-by-step. ..."

Reference Source: www.va.gov

VA's Million Veteran Program (MVP) | Should I Join?

Article Title: VA's Million Veteran Program (MVP) | Should I Join?

Article Excerpt: "...VA's Million Veteran Program (MVP) is a national research program looking at how genes, lifestyle, military experiences, and exposures affect health and wellness in Veterans. ...Visit our research page to learn more about new findings from the MVP cohort and how VA investigators and other approved partners can apply for access to MVP data. "

Reference Source: www.research.va.gov

* The Million Veteran Program (MVP) data is also available to VA researchers on approved federally funded projects, and the VA is working to expand access to the broader research community through the Data Commons

* As of November 2024, there are over 100 ongoing projects with access to MVP data for genomic and epidemiological studies, with over 400 publications since 2018 in journals such as Nature, Cell and PLOS. The goal is that research findings from MVP data will help bring personalized medicine to the forefront of VA health care.

Benefit Watch | Are Veterans Entitled to SNAP Assistance Benefits?

Article Title: Are Veterans Entitled to SNAP Assistance Benefits?

Article Excerpt: "according to Jen Teague, NCOA Director for Health Coverage and Benefits, too many veterans who are eligible for the program never claim their benefits. ... You may. To be eligible and apply for SNAP benefits, you must meet specific resource and income limits that are set and managed by the state in which you live. ...your household generally must meet the following two special eligibility requirements:

Your net monthly income must be equal to or below 100% of the federal poverty line. Any veterans' and disability benefits you receive are counted toward this SNAP income limit.

Your assets must amount to $4,500 or less in 2025.

Your net income is your gross income minus any allowable deductions. And assets are "countable resources" like cash, money in a bank account, and certain vehicles."

Reference Source: www.ncoa.org

How Battle Brick Customs carved out a space for military collectors

Article Title: How Battle Brick Customs carved out a space for military collectors

Article Excerpt: "...In the vast world of building block toys and military collectibles, few brands focus with as much intent and care as Battle Brick Customs.

Based in Atlanta, Georgia, the company produces custom-built, LEGO-compatible military sets that blend playability with precision. ..."

Reference Source: www.navytimes.com

Trump to West Point Grads: 'You Are Winners' in Return to America First Military Vision

Article Title: Trump to West Point Grads: 'You Are Winners' in Return to America First Military Vision

Article Excerpt: "...Trump praised the cadets for their discipline, patriotism, and commitment to defending the nation—qualities he said are too often underappreciated in today’s politically correct climate. The speech marked a return to Trump’s America First approach to military leadership, emphasizing strength, honor, and a refusal to bow to globalist agendas. ..."

Reference Source: townhall.com

Retired four-star Navy admiral convicted in military's highest-level bribery case

Article Title: Retired four-star Navy admiral convicted in military's highest-level bribery case

Article Excerpt: "...Retired four-star Admiral Robert Burke found guilty in scheme to direct contracts in exchange for $500,000-a-year job...Yongchul "Charlie" Kim and Meghan Messenger, co-CEOs of a company not named by the DOJ, allegedly participated in the scheme to get a government contract in exchange for offering Burke a position with the company."

Reference Source: www.foxnews.com

Military Veteran Ashli Babbitt's family to receive $5 million in settlement with Trump administration: Sources

Article Title: Ashli Babbitt's family to receive $5 million in settlement with Trump administration: Sources

Article Excerpt: "...The Trump administration is set to pay out nearly $5 million to settle a lawsuit brought by the family of Ashli Babbitt, a rioter fatally shot during the Jan. 6 attack on the U.S. Capitol, sources familiar with the matter confirmed to ABC News on Monday.

The settlement will resolve a $30 million suit brought by Babbitt's estate and the conservative group Judicial Watch alleging the Capitol Police officer who shot her..."

Reference Source: abcnews.go.com

Trump highlights potential SUBSTANTIAL pay raise for troops, touts military reforms in Qatar speech

Article Title: Trump highlights potential pay raise for troops, touts military reforms in Qatar speech

Article Excerpt: "..."My 2026 budget includes across the board – maybe you don't want to look for the good of the country, you don't have to take it – pay raises for each and every one of you. Substantial pay raises," Trump said. ..."

Reference Source: www.yahoo.com

Anti-Gun Democrat Mark Kelly Introduces Terrible Gun Ban Bill (GOSAFE Act)

Article Title: Anti-Gun Democrat Introduces Terrible Gun Ban Bill

Article Excerpt: "...U.S. Sen. Mark Kelly, D-Arizona, has introduced legislation he says will save lives and protect communities from gun violence while protecting Americans’ constitutional right to own a firearm.

Gun rights groups said the legislative proposal is clearly unconstitutional.

The GOSAFE Act would regulate the sale, transfer and manufacture of gas-operated semi-automatic firearms...

Moreover, Kelly wants to mandate that future gas-operated designs are approved before they are manufactured. Unlawful firearm self-assembly and manufacturing would be prevented under his bill... High-capacity ammunition devices would also be limited under the GOSAFE Act. ..."

Reference Source: townhall.com

Industry Seeks Veterans With Aviation Maintenance Experience

Article Title: Industry Seeks Veterans With Aviation Maintenance Experience

Article Excerpt: "...Business aviation is just one of a range of opportunities for those with military aviation maintenance backgrounds. ...The National Business Aviation Association (NBAA) maintenance committee is proactively addressing the shortage of aviation maintenance technicians by reaching out to those with military experience in the field. The association cites estimates of 22,000 service members per year completing their military service with training in some form of aviation maintenance.

According to the Aviation Technician Education Council, NBAA says, only about 1,500 of those veterans (less than 7%) go on to earn an FAA airframe and powerplant (A&P) certificate. "

Reference Source: www.avweb.com

Breaking down Trump’s executive order mandating multiple VA reforms

Article Title: Breaking down Trump’s executive order mandating multiple VA reforms

Article Excerpt: "...The executive order, signed by Trump in an Oval Office ceremony, would also mandate reduced wait times for veterans health care appointments through expanded hours at VA facilities and relaxed rules for community care appointments.

The actions drew immediate praise...Trump’s order also calls for the departments of Housing and Urban Development and Veterans Affairs to “use vouchers to support homeless veterans.”

Such a program already exists, and the White House did not specify how the new program will differ from the HUD-Veterans Affairs Supportive Housing (HUD-VASH) grants that have drawn praise from advocates for its flexibility and reliability in recent years.

The White House also promised to pay for construction of the new facilities at least in part with “funds that may have been spent on housing or other services for illegal aliens.” No specifics were provided by the administration on whether such programs exist in VA today or if money from other agencies will be redirected to the department. "

Reference Source: www.militarytimes.com

On the Ninth Floor of a VA Hospital, I Listen and Write Down the Lives, Loves of Veterans

Article Title: On the Ninth Floor of a VA Hospital, I Listen and Write Down the Lives, Loves of Veterans; Sue Blaustein

Article Excerpt: "I step off the elevator on the ninth floor of Milwaukee’s Clement J. Zablocki VA Medical Center. It’s where the long-term and palliative care units are located. The nurses often give me tips about patients who might want to tell their stories. I find one—a Navy veteran—and introduce myself. There’s a stuffed animal on the bed table. A turtle. “I love turtles,” I say. He lights up and responds: “Then I love you!”

I sit and ask him about his life. ...I’m a poet and writer. Before retirement, I spent 25 years at the Milwaukee Health Department writing orders to correct food safety violations. I discovered the My Life, My Story program in 2018. Staff at the VA or volunteers like myself interview veterans about their lives and the resulting stories are included in the patient’s medical record.

Patients find it’s healing to have someone’s undivided attention and then a written story about their lives. And the stories offer providers insight and points of connection that might never be discovered in routine visits. It can be a portal to better care. ... Sue Blaustein

Reference Source: thewarhorse.org

McFarland to Newsmax: Navy Crashes Tied to 'Woke' DEI Focus

Article Title: McFarland to Newsmax: Navy Crashes Tied to 'Woke' DEI Focus

Article Excerpt: "...The military prioritized "woke" agendas over operational readiness, KT McFarland told Newsmax on Friday, as the former adviser to President Donald Trump discussed a study that she said found naval accidents some five years ago stemmed from a shift toward diversity, equity, and inclusion policies. ..."

Reference Source: www.newsmax.com

Medicare and VA Benefits

Article Title: Medicare and VA Benefits

Article Excerpt: "...Medicare does not coordinate with VA benefits. However, you can have both types of insurance simultaneously and benefit from doing so. Medicare and veterans benefits can be tricky as everyone has their own healthcare factors to consider. Luckily, we’re here to help. Below, we answer the most frequently asked questions about Medicare for veterans. Do Veterans Have to Sign Up for Medicare?

Yes, if you are a veteran, you’ll need to sign up for Medicare to enjoy these benefits. Both Medicare and VA benefits are available to those eligible, and for many, you can sign up for Medicare three months before turning 65. This is known as your Medicare Initial Enrollment Period, and you can avoid paying late enrollment penalties by enrolling during this time frame.

It’s also important to note that for military members and veterans enrolled in TRICARE, you must sign up for Medicare Part A and Part B to keep your TRICARE benefits. ..."

Reference Source: www.medicarefaq.com

Veterans 2nd Amendment Protection Act Advances in House Committee

Article Title: Veterans 2nd Amendment Protection Act Advances in House Committee

Article Excerpt: "...hearing which he described as being “about whether or not unelected bureaucrats can strip away Second Amendment, God-given rights from our veterans if they need help managing or their assets.”

In a post to X, Crane, a former U.S. Navy SEAL, noted that Democrats who support the status quo on bureaucrats being able to strip away gun rights often claim they do so in order to help reduce suicide among veterans, particularly combat veterans. But Crane rejected this line of thinking, saying, “When it comes to suicide, a lot of these individuals, a lot of veterans….who are struggling with PTSD and have some of these issues, one of [their] biggest issues is fear and trauma because [they] thought [they] might lose [their] life in battle against other people with guns.”..."

Reference Source: www.breitbart.com

V.A. Burial Benefits | Service-connected Death, Non-service-connected Death, Eligibility Requirements...

Article Title: V.A. Burial Benefits | Service-connected Death, Non-service-connected Death, Eligibility Requirements...

Article Excerpt: "...Service-connected Death

VA will pay up to $2,000 toward burial expenses for deaths on or after September 11, 2001, or up to $1,500 for deaths prior to September 11, 2001. If the Veteran is buried in a VA national cemetery, some or all of the cost of transporting the deceased may be reimbursed.

Non-service-connected Death

VA will pay up to $978 toward burial and funeral expenses for deaths on or after October 1, 2024 and a $978 plot-interment allowance (if not buried in a national cemetery). ..."

Reference Source: www.benefits.va.gov

Korean War veteran Luther Grace finally laid to rest in Georgia after 7 decades of uncertainty

Article Title: Korean War veteran Luther Grace finally laid to rest in Georgia after 7 decades of uncertainty

Article Excerpt: "...Master Sergeant Luther Grace, a Korean War veteran, finally returned home to Georgia after 70 years; his burial united family, friends, and veterans in honor. ...

Steve Underwood, a close family friend who has supported the Grace family throughout their journey to bring the sergeant home, attended the ceremony with his wife.

"My brother-in-law was active in the veterans and these people gave it all and give it all ..."

Reference Source: www.13wmaz.com

'Proud and humble': Brockton lines streets to honor veteran who died without family

Article Title: 'Proud and humble': Brockton lines streets to honor veteran who died without family

Article Excerpt: "...The standout was in honor of John J. Rooney, a Korean War veteran, who died April 5, a month shy of his 89th birthday. Rooney, affectionately known as "Rambo" to his friends, "was a steadfast member of the community, whose legacy of service and dedication will be cherished by all who knew him," according to his obituary written by his friend Gregory Karas of Brockton. ..."

Reference Source: www.enterprisenews.com

Settlement in works for family of Air Force veteran Ashli Babbitt, the J6er killed by police

Article Title: Settlement in works for family of Ashli Babbitt, the J6er killed by police

Article Excerpt: "...A settlement "in principle" has been reached in a lawsuit against the government brought by the family of Ashli Babbitt, the woman who was shot and killed by police during the Jan. 6, 2021, protest at the U.S. Capitol...charged Byrd "had negligently discharged his firearm and failed to warn Babbitt or de-escalate the situation. The suit also alleged negligence on the part of other officers near the Speaker's Lobby at the time of the shooting as well as the U.S. Capitol Police and the Capitol Police Board in failing to properly train Byrd in tactical decision-making." Babbitt was an Air Force veteran but was killed during the protests that day. ..."

Reference Source: www.wnd.com

Chapter 30 VA Benefits: How much can veterans get for full-time enrollment in non-degree programs?

Article Title: Chapter 30 VA Benefits: How much can veterans get for full-time enrollment in non-degree programs?

Article Excerpt: "...a veteran eyeing a trade school, apprenticeship, or non-degree training program, the Montgomery GI Bill (MGIB-AD, or Chapter 30) might help cover the cost-and then some. While most people associate GI Bill benefits with college tuition, Chapter 30 also supports veterans who want to take a different path, like becoming an electrician, HVAC tech, or licensed welder.

The big question: how much can you actually get if you're enrolled full-time?..."

Reference Source: www.marca.com

Gulf War vet Jeff Hutchinson executed for family's murder; veterans say combat broke him

Article Title: Gulf War vet Jeff Hutchinson executed for family's murder; veterans say combat broke him

Article Excerpt: "...Florida executed Hutchinson for the quadruple murder of his girlfriend and her three children despite a letter from 129 veterans to the governor arguing that Hutchinson's mind was a casualty of war. ..."

Reference Source: www.usatoday.com