After 3 Tries, Veterans Toxic Exposure Bill -- the PACT Act -- Finally Passes US Senate

Article Title: After 3 Tries, Veterans Toxic Exposure Bill -- the PACT Act -- Finally Passes US Senate

Article Excerpt: "...The bill designates 23 diseases as presumed to be linked to military service" The bill also contains provisions for veterans who served in previous conflicts. It would expand benefits for Vietnam-era veterans who have developed hypertension as a result of Agent Orange exposure; would allow veterans and family members sickened by contaminated water at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, to file lawsuits; and expand coverage for veterans exposed to radiation during hazardous cleanups in the 1960s and 1970s.

Reference Source: www.military.com

Are You Wearing Your Rank in the Civilian Sector?

Article Title: Are You Wearing Your Rank in the Civilian Sector?

Article Excerpt: "The civilian sector doesn't have such symbols of rank, status and accomplishment. It could be argued that an expensive business suit, high-priced car and fancy shoes potentially indicate success and achievement, but that would be incorrect. Some of the most accomplished people in the world present themselves in understated ways that do not point to their stature and triumphs...."

Reference Source: www.military.com

Now on Amazon: Federal Benefits for Veterans, Dependents, and Survivors: Updated Edition Paperback

Article Title: Federal Benefits for Veterans, Dependents, and Survivors: Updated Edition Paperback

Article Excerpt: "...An official, up-to-date government manual that covers everything from VA life insurance to survivor benefits. Veterans of the United States armed forces may be eligible for a broad range of benefits and services provided by the US Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). If you’re looking for information on these benefits and services, look no further than the newest edition of Federal Benefits for Veterans, Dependents, and Survivors. The VA operates the nation’s largest health-care system, with more than 1,700 care sites available across the country. These sites include hospitals, community clinics, readjustment counseling centers, and more. In this book, those who have honorably served in the active military, naval, or air service will learn about the services offered at these sites, basic eligibility for health care, and more. Helpful topics described in depth throughout these pages for veterans, their dependents, and their survivors include: Vocational rehabilitation and employment VA pensions Home loan guaranty Burial and memorial benefits Transition assistance Dependents and survivors health care and benefits Military medals and records..."

Reference Source: Amazon

Your Country Needs You Again | U.S. Customs Border Patrol | Veterans Careers

Article Title: U.S. Customs Border Patrol | Veterans Careers

Article Excerpt: "...Roughly a third of CBP’s workforce has served in the military. If you are a veteran joining CBP, you will find many others that share your military background and principles. When it comes to principles, veterans personify CBP’s core values vigilance, integrity and service to country. Furthermore, veterans fit in well with CBP’s culture of teamwork, integrity, and innovation. ...By continuing employment with the federal government, veterans joining CBP may also be eligible to count their time in the military towards CBP retirement and leave accrual, and may be eligible to receive a GI-Bill monthly housing allowance benefit for On-The-Job Training. Retirement Credit Leave Accrual GI Bill Benefit: Monthly Housing Allowance for On-The-Job Training"

Reference Source: www.cbp.gov

Tags: U.S. Border Patrol , Careers , Veterans

16 Deported Vets, Family Members Temporarily Allowed Back Into US in the Last Year, DHS Says

Article Title: 16 Deported Vets, Family Members Temporarily Allowed Back Into US in the Last Year, DHS Says

Article Excerpt: "...Between the program's launch in July 2021 and June 21, 56 veterans and family members have formally requested humanitarian parole, which allows people otherwise ineligible to enter the United States to temporarily come into the country for emergency humanitarian reasons...."

Reference Source: www.military.com

2023 VA Disability Rates (Projected): MASSIVE 8.9% COLA Increase Could Be Coming!

Article Title: 2023 VA Disability Rates (Projected): MASSIVE 8.9% COLA Increase Could Be Coming!

Article Excerpt: "2023 VA disability rates will be officially released on October 13, 2022... The final VA disability rates 2023 will be based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) report of September 2022 inflation data. Did You Know Inflation is at a 40-Year High?"

Reference Source: vaclaimsinsider.com

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MORE READING ON VA DISABILITY CLAIMS FROM AMAZON: VA Disability Claim Approved!: A Step by Step Guide on How to Win Your VA Benefits! (My VA Benefits Series) Paperback

Although the rules governing VA disability benefits and the VA disability ratings process often seem unfairly stacked against you, the purpose of this book is to educate you on what is needed and how to properly prepare the NEXUS letter of your Veterans benefits claim so you can level the playing field and WIN YOUR VA DISABILITY BENEFITS CLAIM! As you know, in order to be successful with your VA disability benefits claim, you must meet three specific criteria: • You must have a current, chronic disability; AND • the disability must have been caused by, the result of, or aggravated by your military service or a secondary condition that was caused by an existing service connected disability; AND • there must be a NEXUS or link between the first two criteria. This book explains the goals and anatomy of a NEXUS letter, addresses potential concerns that doctors might have in writing the NEXUS letter and demonstrates how to craft a compelling NEXUS letter that the VA can’t deny. As an added bonus, this book will also show you how to locate missing records and utilized creative ways to find information in support of an incomplete claim. My name is Rick Blair and I served nearly 27 years in the U.S. Air Force and then another 10 years in my “second career” as a Veterans Service Officer (VSO.) Now for my third and hopefully final “career,” I plan on taking it easy and writing books to continue my advocacy for Veterans, because the knowledge I gained during those 10 years as a VSO, I believe, is far too important NOT to continuing sharing with other disabled Veterans. As a VSO, I spent four years advocating for Veterans benefits at the St Petersburg VA Regional Office, another four and a half years working with patients at the James H. Haley VA Medical Center in Tampa, and then the last year and a half providing community-based advocacy for our Veterans in and around Sumter County Florida. As a result of this experience, I not only became familiar with VA law and the VA disability claims and appeals processes, I learned the procedural matrixes the decision makers (Raters, Decision Review Officers, and Judges) utilize to adjudicated disability claims. As a result of that experience, I discovered that by approaching the Veterans benefits process from the perspective of what could be granted, instead of focusing on what would be denied, I could help Veterans become VICTORS instead of victims. As I assessed the numerous self-help books out there related to VA disability claims and appeals, I found several that do a pretty good job addressing the claims and appeals process and how to submit a claim, but I could not find very much specific information on how to address and develop the NEXUS or link necessary for a VA disability claim. This will be the first book of what I am calling “The Veterans Benefits Series.” Subsequent books in this series will address such topics as how to submit a fully developed claim, how to prepare for your Compensation and Pension Examination, additional benefits you didn’t know you were entitled to, VA benefits for surviving spouses and children, and more. So whether you are seeking a reconsideration of a recent disability claim or your disability claim is currently in the appeals process, this information is vital to ensuring you have the knowledge necessary to win the veterans benefits you deserve!

Social Security Expansion Act (SSEA) | H.R.8005

Article Title: Social Security Expansion Act (SSEA) | H.R.8005

Article Excerpt: "...U.S. Rep. Peter DeFazio (D-Ore.) and Senator Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) introduced the Social Security Expansion Act (SSEA) in both houses of the U.S. Congress on June 9, 2022. This legislation seeks to keep Social Security solvent through 2096. But it goes beyond just keeping the program going. The SSEA would boost benefits for current and new Social Security beneficiaries by $200 per month, or $2,400 per year. Individuals wouldn’t have to wait until their full retirement age under the bill, either. Anyone who turns 62 would be eligible for the increase...."

Reference Source: www.koamnewsnow.com

Photo Exclusive: Sailor Shares Never-Before-Published Images of Historic Attack on USS Liberty

Article Title: Photo Exclusive: Sailor Shares Never-Before-Published Images of Historic Attack on USS Liberty

Article Excerpt: "...A Navy veteran is sharing never-before-published photographs of the historic attack on the USS Liberty by Israel in 1967, images provided exclusively to Military.com that show the half-sunk Navy ship as other vessels arrive to provide aid. Greg Knowles, who snapped the photos, was an electronics technician on the USS Little Rock..."

Reference Source: www.military.com

Disturbing video shows Atlanta VA employee attack elderly Vietnam veteran

Article Title: Disturbing video shows Atlanta VA employee attack elderly Vietnam veteran

Article Excerpt: "...ATLANTA — Disturbing video shows the moments a Veterans Affairs’ employee pushed an elderly Vietnam veteran into a door and body-slammed him to the ground...."

Reference Source: www.wsbtv.com

News of interest to military veterans that are now postal servive employees (less relevant to military retirees)

Article Title: Health benefits -- New law creates Postal Service Health Benefits (PSHB) Program for employees, others

Article Excerpt: "...The Postal Service reform legislation that President Biden signed into law on April 6 will involve changes to employees’ health and retirement benefits. USPS understands that employees have many questions, so here are a few things to know: • The law establishes the Postal Service Health Benefits (PSHB) ..."

Reference Source: NPMHU Local 317

Biden, We Need Help! Increase Disabled Veteran Pay Now! America’s homeless ranks graying as more retire on streets

Article Title:

Article Title:

Article Excerpt: "...A stroke started 67-year-old Army veteran Lovia Primous on his downward spiral, costing him his job and forcing him to sleep in his Honda Accord..."

Reference Source: www.al.com

USS Lexington commemorates 79 years since it was commissioned

Article Title: USS Lexington commemorates 79 years since it was commissioned

Article Excerpt: "...“Served honorably during the war and of course then after the Cold War. Then in the 60’s this ship was turned into the training carrier for the U.S. Navy served out of Pensacola but the admirable ending up in charge of training for naval aviation has always been headquartered here in Corpus Christi," said Banta. The USS Lexington was also the longest serving Essex class aircraft carrier of World War II..."

Reference Source: www.kristv.com

For some Afghans, permission to leave comes too late as military veterans race to get them to safety

Article Title: For some Afghans, permission to leave comes too late as military veterans race to get them to safety

Article Excerpt: "...Private veterans groups are rushing to evacuate Afghan allies as the government process stalls..."

Reference Source: www.foxnews.com

Black Veterans Project leader explains lawsuit against Veterans Affairs

Article Title: Black Veterans Project leader explains lawsuit against Veterans Affairs

Article Excerpt: "...The groups are seeking data on racial disparities in benefits and health care services...."

Reference Source: yahoo.com

Leaked text suggests possible US-Russia missile arrangement over Ukraine

Article Title: Leaked text suggests possible US-Russia missile arrangement over Ukraine

Article Excerpt: "...The United States could be willing to enter into an agreement with Russia to ease tensions over missile deployments in Europe if Moscow steps back from the brink in Ukraine, according to a leaked document published in a Spanish newspaper on Wednesday. ..."

Reference Source: www.armytimes.com

Does Amazon Prime Offer a Military Discount? No, But They Are Offering a Huge Increase After Huge Profits

Article Title: Amazon profits nearly double

Article Excerpt: "...The company defied analysts' expectations and its own predictions, turning a profit of $14.3 billion. ..."

Reference Source: www.cnet.com

No More Surprise Medical Bills: 5 Things To Know about the No Surprises Act Taking Effect

  No More Surprise Medical Bills: 5 Things To Know about the No Surprises Act Taking Effect in 2022

New Year. New Law. Beginning January 1, 2022, new federal protections will shield millions of consumers from surprise medical bills. Surprise medical bills – unexpected bills from an out-of-network provider, out-of-network facility or out-of-network air ambulance provider – is common among those with private insurance. Nearly one in five patients who go to the emergency room, have an elective surgery, or give birth in a hospital receive surprise bills, with average costs ranging from $750 to $2,600 per episode. Learn about how the No Surprises Act can protect you from surprise medical billing. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services

Reference: https://www.hhs.gov/

Five More States Make Military Retirement Tax Free

Article Title: Five More States Make Military Retirement Tax Free

Article Excerpt: "...While residents in three of those states will have to wait until the new year to stop paying taxes on their military retirement, retirees living in A..."

Reference Source: www.military.com

Biden Administration Punts on Deadline to Recommend Sweeping Changes to VA Health Care

Article Title: Biden Administration Punts on Deadline to Recommend Sweeping Changes to VA Health Care

Article Excerpt: "...VA will eventually send its proposals for where to expand health care options for veterans and potentially close existing facilities to the Asset and Infrastructure Review (AIR) commission. Given the potential impact on the workforce, a VA official said, McDonough is delaying the announcement..."

Reference Source: www.govexec.com

YouTube takes down, then reinstates John Ondrasik video that criticized Biden Afghanistan withdrawal

Article Title: YouTube takes down, then reinstates John Ondrasik video that criticized Biden Afghanistan withdrawal

Article Excerpt: "...The video, which used real-world footage depicting atrocities by the Taliban and the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan, was reportedly flagged as having violated YouTube’s "graphic content policy."..."

Reference Source: www.foxbusiness.com

Boo Home Depot! Stricter Verification Requirements to Get Home Depot’s Military Discount

Article Title: Another 16 million veterans can get Home Depot’s new military discount year-round

Article Excerpt: "...There are stricter verification requirements. Rather than showing your ID card at checkout, or some proof of other veteran status each time, you now must be verified through SheerID. That’s a one-time process, where you’ll create an account that will allow the discount to be automatically applied when shopping online, and a QR code to be scanned in-store at checkout. ..."

Reference Source: www.militarytimes.com

Oldest US World War II veteran dies at 112 in New Orleans

Article Title: Oldest US World War II veteran dies at 112 in New Orleans

Article Excerpt: "...Brooks, a local celebrity in New Orleans, celebrated his birthdays with parties thrown by the nearby National World War II Museum. He had received numerous gifts and more than 10,000 birthday cards throughout the years in recognition of his service during the war. ..."

Reference Source: www.militarytimes.com

Trumps secret trip to Iraq to visit troops at Christmas-Time in 2018

Article Title: Trump, visiting troops in Iraq

Article Excerpt: "...President Trump and first lady Melania Trump appeared in Iraq on Wednesday for a surprise visit with troops and senior military leadership at Al Asad Air Base. There, he said it's because of U.S. military gains against the Islamic State terror group that he can withdraw 2,000 forces from Syria. "We're no longer the suckers, folks," Trump told service members at the base..."

Reference Source: www.foxnews.com

...and how liberal fake news reported it, after the fact: NBC News backtracks on report that said Trump did not visit ...

Helpful information for military veterans to know about their health benefits

Article Title: Helpful information for military veterans to know about their health benefits

Article Excerpt: "...There are certainly advantages to having both Medicare Advantage and VA benefits, and Medicare-eligible ... be sure to leverage available resources, such as education events and one-on-one..."

Reference Source: www.tennessean.com

The Most Popular Veterans Benefit in Every State

Article Title: The Most Popular Veterans Benefit in Every State

Article Excerpt: "...To determine each state’s most popular veterans benefit, 24/7 Wall St. reviewed information from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs detailing the service used most often by eligible veterans in each state. In many states, the most popular veteran benefit is the same. In some, vets frequently opt for special license plates. In others, veterans take advantage of discounts and exemptions for their property taxes. ..."

Reference Source: 247wallst.com

Veterans with Other than Honorable Discharges May be Eligible for VA Benefits and Upgraded Discharge Status

Article Title: Veterans with Other than Honorable Discharges May be Eligible for VA Benefits and Upgraded Discharge Status

Article Excerpt: "...The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is launching an outreach effort to let Veterans with other than honorable discharges know that they may still be eligible to receive VA benefits and health care. They can also request an upgrade to their discharge status through the Department of Defense (DoD). ..."

Reference Source: www.military.com

2022 VA Disability Pay Rates

Article Title: 2022 VA Disability Pay Rates

Article Excerpt: "...amounts are effective Dec. 1, 2021. They are tax-free. VA disability payments are made to veterans who got sick or injured while serving in the military and to veterans whose service made an existing condition worse. ..."

Reference Source: www.military.com

West TN high school spreads holiday cheer to veterans

Article Title: West TN high school spreads holiday cheer to veterans

Article Excerpt: "...According to a news release received from Union City High School, students of English teacher Angelique Killebrew, are sending warm wishes to those who served their country. Veterans at VA Medical Center in Memphis are the recipients..."

Reference Source: www.wbbjtv.com

On This Day: U.S. invades Panama

Article Title: On This Day: U.S. invades Panama

Article Excerpt: "...On Dec. 20, 1989, the United States invaded Panama to oust Manuel Noriega and install the duly elected civilian government. ..."

Reference Source: www.upi.com

2 men brutally attack Tri-State veteran for disability money, prosecutor says

Article Title: 2 men brutally attack Tri-State veteran for disability money, prosecutor says

Article Excerpt: "...Sanders says the men, Robert Stone and Anthony Cornist, targeted the 62-year-old Marine Corps veteran for his disability money. “[They] bum-rushed him,” the prosecutor said. “They forced their way into his apartment and immediately started assaulting the resident.” The video shows Stone, the larger of the two, repeatedly hitting the victim—even kicking him while he’s on the ground. ..."

Reference Source: www.fox19.com

Stanley McChrystal Accidentally Reveals the Dishonesty of U.S. Generals

Article Title: Stanley McChrystal Accidentally Reveals the Dishonesty of U.S. Generals

Snippet of Article: "... documents on the dishonesty of America’s generals: a new book from retired Gen. Stanley McChrystal titled “Risk: A User’s Guide.” McChrystal was removed from his command by President Barack Obama..."

Article Source: theintercept.com

Military Retirees, Disabled Veterans to See 5.9% Increase (COLA) Triggered by Inflation for 2022

Article Title: Military Retirees, Disabled Veterans to See 5.9% Increase (COLA) Triggered by Inflation for 2022

Snippet of Article: "... Military retirees and veterans receiving disability payments from the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) will see their paychecks ..."

Article Source: www.military.com

Retirees and Disabled Vets Due for Record Raise Next Year

Article Title: Retirees and Disabled Vets Due for Record Raise Next Year

Article Source: www.military.com

Snippet of Article: "... next year, military retirees will see their monthly retirement check increase, with the average monthly check going up by around $160. Veterans receiving disability compensation from the Department of Veterans Affairs also will see their monthly disability payments increase, with the average monthly amount increasing by nearly $100..."

Article Source: www.military.com

USPS is hiring nationwide, Veterans and families get preference

Article Title: USPS is hiring nationwide, Veterans and families get preference

Snippet of Article: "... These positions are available full time, or just on weekends and holidays. Veterans, disabled Veterans, Reservists, spouses of disabled Veterans, widows or widowers of Veterans and meothers of Veterans all receive special preference for these USPS positions. To view positions near you or across the country visit..."

Article Source:va.gov

Dems condemn Ilhan Omar's comments equating US to terrorists

Article Title: Dems condemn Ilhan Omar's comments equating US to terrorists

Snippet of Article: "... reacts to the congresswoman comparing the United States and Israel to Hamas and the Taliban..."

Article Source: yahoo.com