Legal Help for Veterans blog.
Apr
13

Veterans Induced to Sell Benefits for Lump Sum File Lawsuit

News and Press

Jim Fausone, Esq. A legal battle in South Carolina over a veteran’s benefits scheme was argued in federal court last week. The lawsuit claims that three veterans were illegally induced by an attorney, two businessman and five other companies to sell off part or all of their disability benefits in return for a lump sum […]

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Mar
30

VA chief of staff retires over report of ethical violations

News and Press

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) recently saw yet another personnel shakeup amid internal strife. VA Secretary David Shulkin’s chief of staff resigned following accusations of ethical violations. The inspector general released a report that found she misled an ethics lawyer in order to get permission for Shulkin’s wife to join him on his taxpayer-funded […]

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Mar
16

VA launches online tool to simplify discharge process for veterans

News and Press

Veterans seeking to alter or upgrade their discharge conditions can now do so more easily by using a new online tool. The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) joined forces with the Department of Defense (DoD) to launch a program that provides customized guidance to former service members who were given an unfair discharge characterization or […]

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Mar
02

VA discloses opioid prescription rates for hospitals nationwide

News and Press

It is no secret that an opioid problem is plaguing the nation’s veteran population. In an effort to continue its goal of transparency, the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) recently made public data on opiate prescription rates at its medical centers nationwide. In January the VA started publicly posting the information for the first time […]

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Feb
28

Jail programs help veteran inmates work through problems and reintegrate into society

News and Press

Veterans returning home from military service often face numerous problems that can make the transition to civilian life difficult. They may turn to alcohol or drugs to cope with the invisible wounds of war such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), traumatic brain injury, anxiety and depression. As a result, they are at a high risk […]

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Feb
16

Researchers launch Operation Deep Dive to examine veteran suicide risk factors

News and Press

A new two-part study aims to carry out an in-depth investigation into the local-level risk factors that contribute to veteran suicides. Researchers plan to use the findings to develop a holistic plan to guide suicide prevention efforts within communities. University of Alabama is conducting research in collaboration with the America’s Warrior Partnership (AWP) — a […]

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Jan
30

Ann Arbor VA opens specialty clinics to improve health care access for veterans

News and Press

Michigan veterans now have enhanced access to health care and different types of treatment with the recent opening of two clinics in Ann Arbor, according to the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). The new locations aim to provide veterans with convenient access to a range of services. In November, the VA Ann Arbor Healthcare System […]

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Dec
29

Poll says majority of veterans back medical marijuana research and legalization

News and Press

The topic of medical marijuana has been under intense debate. While lawmakers seem unable to agree on whether to legalize it, a recent survey revealed surprising results. Veterans across 39 states have expressed overwhelming support for the legalization of medical marijuana, as well as research into the drug. The American Legion polled 513 veterans as […]

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Dec
19

New VA ID cards available to veterans with honorable discharges

News and Press

Veterans seeking an easier way to prove their military service will now be able to apply for a new identification card from the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). However, some veterans are upset that the ID cards are available only to service members with honorable discharges. A law passed in 2015 requires the VA to […]

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Dec
11

VA Medical System Concerns Should Caution Veterans

Medical Issues / Disability, News and Press

Jim Fausone, Esq. High quality medical care is something that veterans should be able to rely on. Recently, the Government Accountability Office released findings that should lead veterans to be cautious regarding their medical care. The findings indicate that the VA fails to report 90% of poor-performing doctors to national and state databases. These databases […]

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