Legal Help for Veterans blog.
News and Press
A bipartisan group of 40 House lawmakers wrote a letter to Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Secretary David Shulkin. They criticized the VA for slow reimbursements to private medical providers, which are damaging the credit reports of veterans who use the Veterans Choice Program. The Veterans Choice Program allows eligible veterans to seek health care […]
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Medical Issues / Disability, News and Press
Kristina L. Derro, Esq. After complaints from Congress and special counsel, a government audit found that 140 veterans who were seeking specialized service at the Veterans Affairs Medical Center (VAMC) in Memphis were wrongly booted from wait lists. Some of these veterans had already been waiting months. The complaints asserted that the VA was attempting […]
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News and Press
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) in July posted an online list of adverse actions taken against employees this year including demotions, suspensions and removals. It marked the first time such information was shared publicly. VA officials described the list as an effort to increase transparency in the department. The list shows that disciplinary actions […]
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News and Press
Kristina L. Derro, Esq. There has been controversy swirling around the VA’s decision earlier this year to remove thousands of caregivers from the Caregiver Support Program, leaving many veterans helpless. This criticism led to a three month suspension, during which the VA says it has reviewed the issues and “have taken immediate steps to improve […]
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News and Press
A new line of prosthetics developed by the Pentagon could soon change the lives of former service members who have lost their limbs on the battlefield. Two army veterans recently tested prosthetic arms at a Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) hospital in New York. The prosthetics are called LUKE, which stands for Life Under Kinetic […]
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PTSD
A recent study seeks to explain why veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) are at an increased risk for heart disease and high blood pressure. Researchers are attributing the threat to the intense “fight or flight” response that combat veterans experience during moments of mental stress. Findings from previous research show that veterans have an […]
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News and Press
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is defending its proposal to cut tens of thousands of dollars in financial support and unemployment benefits for elderly and disabled veterans. Nearly 225,000 former service members — including 7,000 over the age of 80 — could lose their payments. The plan is part of President Donald Trump’s proposed […]
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News and Press
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is doing an about-turn from the target of zero veteran homelessness set by former President Barack Obama’s administration. However, VA Secretary David Shulkin insists the department is simply modifying the goal rather than abandoning it. Shulkin said ending veteran homelessness completely will take much longer than previously predicted. The […]
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News and Press
The Department of Veterans Affairs’ (VA) benefits appeals process is notoriously slow and confusing. Veterans unhappy with their benefits payouts could end up waiting up to five years for the VA to decide on their appeals. However, new proposed legislation could soon give veterans some relief from an outdated system that does not serve them […]
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News and Press
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) warned veterans to be aware of a national scam in which impostors attempt to steal personal information by imitating a VA phone line. The scam targets veterans who inadvertently dial the wrong phone number while trying to call the Veterans Choice Program. VA officials cautioned that the only difference […]
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