Veterans News

Veteran News and Information Service - Health and disability news for veterans from around the world including veterans jobs, VA benefits, and home loans. Keep up to date on current military news and veteran assistance information.

Articles that will be of interest to veterans include benefits and compensation provided, pension information, education, qualifying for home loans, life insurance, vocational rehabilitation, applying for business loans, survivors' benefits, medical benefits and burial benefits.

U.S. Veterans with a 50% or higher service related disability as determined by a VA regional office "rating board" (e.g., losing a limb in battle, PTSD, etc) are provided comprehensive care and medication at no charge.

Post Traumatic Stress Disorder

The national Institute of mental health states that post traumatic stress disorder is one of the five most recognized types of mental disorders. PTSD was originally identified as a post war syndrome due to the number of returning military veterans having this condition. Although far from being just a condition limited to returning war veterans, post traumatic stress disorder is a growing problem in our modern-day world. If you suspect that a loved one is suffering from PTSD, get professional psychological help.

Veteran Employment News

As part of the US Department of Labor’s commitment to helping Americans with disabilities enter and remain in the workforce, ODEP has researched and implemented Telework as a viable employment option for people with disabilities, particularly returning disabled service members and disabled veterans. Telework allows employees with complex needs to work in a more flexible environment (e.g. in a home office or Telework center) using computer and communications technology beginner to advanced levels of experience.

The news items below also include press releases issued by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and the House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs.

Information Regarding Veterans News

Military and VA Health Care and Disability Systems Red Tape - New IAVA Report Reveals Red Tape Facing Veterans in the Military and VA Health Care and Disability Systems - Wounded Veterans Face Growing Backlog, Lengthy Waits for Benefits...

Veteran Affairs 2010 Benefits and Programs - The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) wants to inform Veterans and other beneficiaries of the following changes that will take effect in 2010...

EBV Expands to Include Coast Guard Veterans - The Entrepreneurship Bootcamp for Veterans with Disabilities (EBV) today announced an expansion of its services to include veterans of the U.S. Coast Guard, who have been identified as having a service-connected disability as a result of their support of Operations Iraqi Freedom or Enduring Freedom.

The Wounded Warrior Project - Empowering Wounded Warriors - The Wounded Warrior Project (WWP), a nonprofit organization, raises awareness and enlists the aid of the public at large while honoring and empowering wounded warriors.

Study of Vietnam-Era Women Veterans - Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is launching a comprehensive study of women Veterans who served in the military during the Vietnam War.

Veterans Hearing and Aging Disorders - CASLPA Supports National Veterans' Week November 5-11, 2009, Canada. Veterans Affairs Canada (VAC) estimates there are over 750,000 Canadian Forces (CF) veterans in Canada.

Alcohol Bracelets Help Keep U.S. Veterans Sober - As the country prepares to honor its military veterans November 11th, the Buffalo Veterans Treatment Court is employing a high-tech tool to help keep their community's struggling military veterans sober and accountable.

Segways for Wounded Warriors - Through a unique pilot project, Wounded Warriors.ca is pleased to announce the presentation of Segway Personal Transporters to seven Canadian Forces members who were wounded overseas.

Craigslist Founder Joins Veterans Affairs Search Panel - Craig Newmark, the founder of "craigslist" and a well-known technology visionary, has agreed to serve on the blue-ribbon panel of the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) that will review and evaluate ideas to improve disability claims processing times and provide greater transparency to Veterans.

Plan to End Homelessness for Veterans - Shinseki's comprehensive plan to end homelessness includes preventive measures like discharge planning for incarcerated Veterans re-entering society, supportive services for low-income Veterans and their families and a national referral center to link Veterans to local service providers.

VetsFirst Full Membership to All Disabled Veterans, Dependents and Survivors - VetsFirst Established by United Spinal Association: First and Only Organization to Offer Full Membership to All Disabled Veterans, Their Dependents and Survivors.

Groundbreaking Court Decision for Vets With PTSD - A groundbreaking verdict for accused Veterans with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) was decided in Canyon City, Oregon on October 19 when former soldier Jesse Bratcher, on trial for murder, was found guilty by reason of insanity.

Laptops for Wounded Troops - Divided among four "virtual teams," a wide variety of bloggers and other New Media mavens are competing on the Internet to see who can inspire the most donations to help wounded troops.

Obama Signs Historic Legislation for Veterans Health Care - Today, President Obama signed the Veterans Health Care Budget Reform and Transparency Act (H.R. 1016). The legislation requires Congress to approve the health care budget for the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) at least one year in advance.

VA and Olympic Committee Launch Paralympic Community for Disabled Veterans - U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and U.S. Olympic Committee Launch Paralympic Community Initiative to Serve Physically Disabled Veterans.

Crane Learning and Employment Center for Disabled Veterans - Imagine signing up to serve your country, fulfilling a desire to preserve freedom and protect those things you hold most dear. Now imagine that your mission ends with terrible consequences -- the loss of your right arm. Your service to your country has ended, but what will you do now?

Bariatric Surgery Risk for Super Obese Veterans - Veterans classified as super-obese and those with a higher chronic disease burden appear more likely to die within a year of having bariatric surgery, according to a report in the October issue of Archives of Surgery, one of the JAMA/Archives journals.

Locating Veterans Gravesites - Secretary of Veterans Affairs Eric K. Shinseki announced today that the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has made the gravesites of more than 6.7 million Veterans easier to locate using handheld devices with Internet capability, such as "smart phones."

Female Troops and Veterans - Week of the Women Warriors - Women make up 11% of the force in Iraq and Afghanistan. Yet, their challenges have largely been overlooked and under reported. IAVA's new report pulls together the most up to date information on a broad range of issues confronting female service members and veterans.

State of Veterans Affairs Message - Today, Secretary of Veterans Affairs Eric K. Shinseki delivered his "State of VA" testimony to Congress. Here is Secretary Shinseki's written statement.

Agent Orange Benefits for More Veterans - VA - Secretary of Veterans Affairs Eric K. Shinseki decided to establish a service-connection for Vietnam Veterans with three specific illnesses based on the latest evidence of an association with the herbicides referred to as Agent Orange.

Integrated Treatment for Veterans with Chronic Pain and PTSD - Other physical injuries include spinal-cord and eye injuries as well as auditory trauma. In addition, veterans are reporting high rates of mental health issues, including posttraumatic stress disorder ( PTSD ), depression and alcohol use disorders.

Treatment for Veterans with Chronic Pain and Post Traumatic Stress - Common sources of pain are in the head (traumatic-brain injury or post-concussion syndrome), legs (fractures, amputations, burns) and shoulders. Other physical injuries include spinal-cord and eye injuries as well as auditory trauma. In addition, veterans are reporting high rates of mental health issues, including posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression and alcohol use disorders.

Post 9/11 GI Bill Participation Grows - The Department of Veterans Affairs announces it has provided certificates of eligibility to nearly 200,000 applicants for the new Post-9/11 GI Bill. Over 61,000 payments totaling over $50 million to schools and students have been issued since the August 1, 2009, implementation of the new program.

Veterans Affairs Health System Top Employer for AARP - The health care network operated by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has been named as one of the best employers this year for workers over 50 by the American Association of Retired Persons (AARP).

Veterans Affairs $1.4 Billion in Recovery Act Spending - Secretary of Veterans Affairs Eric K. Shinseki announced today the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) progress in executing more than $1.4 billion as the Department’s share of spending under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA), more commonly known as the economic stimulus program.

New Efforts to Explore Health Consequences of Service in Vietnam - Secretary of Veterans Affairs Eric K. Shinseki announced today plans to begin additional research by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to better understand the health consequences of service in Vietnam.

Veterans National Golf Tournament Iowa City - More than 100 Veterans with visual or mobility impairments, blindness and other disabilities hit the golf course at the National Veterans TEE Tournament, September 6 - 10, in and around Iowa City, Iowa.

Event Helps Rehabilitate Injured Veterans through Adaptive Sports - Event Helps Rehabilitate Injured Veterans through Adaptive Sports. Recently-injured Veterans will learn how to surf, kayak, sail and enjoy other summer sports at a rehabilitative clinic sponsored by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).

VA Pledge to Women Veterans on Women's Equality Day - Secretary of Veterans Affairs Eric K. Shinseki pledged today on Women's Equality Day that the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) will work to ensure the nation upholds its obligation to meet the needs of our Veterans - including women Veterans.

Simplify Veterans PTSD Compensation Rules - Secretary of Veterans Affairs Eric K. Shinseki announced the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is taking steps to assist Veterans seeking compensation for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).

The Blinded Veterans Association (BVA) - The Blinded Veterans Association is an organization of veterans who are blind who are helping other veterans who are blind. Their programs, resources, regional groups, and the advocacy they pursue before both executive and legislative branches of government help to make life better for blind veterans. The association also provides support and encouragement.

Expansion of Community Counseling Centers for Combat Veterans - Secretary of Veterans Affairs Eric K. Shinseki announced that combat Veterans will receive readjustment counseling and other assistance in 28 additional communities across the country where the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) will establish Vet Centers in 2010.

VA Secretary Announces Over $153 Million for Biloxi - Secretary of Veterans Affairs Eric K. Shinseki announced six contracts have been awarded worth $153.7 million to build new health care facilities and expand existing services that provide care to Veterans in the Biloxi, Miss., area.

VA Medical Imaging Reaches Record Level - VistA Imaging, the medical and health care imaging system used in Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) medical centers, attained over one billion stored images in January this year, according to the department.

Possible Association Between Agent Orange Exposure - A new report from the Institute of Medicine finds suggestive but limited evidence that exposure to Agent Orange and other herbicides used during the Vietnam War is associated with an increased chance of developing ischemic heart disease and Parkinson's disease for Vietnam veterans.

V.A. Announces Steps to Reduce Wasteful Spending and Increase Accountability - The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) announced today that it will temporarily halt 45 information technology projects which are either behind schedule or over budget. These projects will be reviewed, and it will be determined whether these projects should be continued.

Colleges and Universities Partner with VA to Improve GI Bill Benefits - Over 1,100 colleges, universities and schools across the country have entered into "Yellow Ribbon" program agreements with the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to improve financial aid for Veterans participating in the Post-9/11 GI Bill.

29th Annual Veterans Wheelchair Games Scheduled for Spokane - A wide range of disabilities cannot stop more than 500 of America's greatest wheelchair athletes, all U.S. military Veterans who will begin competition at the 29th National Veterans Wheelchair Games being held July 13-18 in Spokane, Wash.

VA Assistant Secretary Raises Awareness About Post-9/11 GI Bill - Yesterday, L. Tammy Duckworth, the assistant secretary for public and intergovernmental affairs at the Department of Veterans Affairs, made a successful visit to Vermont to promote the Post-9/11 GI Bill and meet with veterans.

Eliminating Tobacco Use in Military Populations - Because tobacco use impairs military readiness, harms the health of soldiers and veterans, and imposes a substantial financial burden on the departments of Defense and Veterans Affairs, these agencies should implement a comprehensive strategy to achieve the Defense Department's stated goal of a tobacco-free military, says a new report from the Institute of Medicine.

VA Stimulus Payments for Veterans - The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has requested the Department of the Treasury to make $250 payments to eligible Veterans as part of President Obama's recovery plan. The first payments were sent Monday, June 22. All payments will be distributed by June 30.

VA Launches 10-Year Health Study of 60,000 New Veterans - The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has initiated a large, long-term study to look carefully at a broad array of health issues that may affect Operation Enduring Freedom/Operation Iraqi Freedom (OEF/OIF) Veterans and their counterparts who served during the same time period.

VA Reopening Health Care Enrollment to Thousands of Veterans - The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is poised to welcome nearly 266,000 more Veterans into its medical centers and clinics across the country by expanding access to health care enrollment for certain Veterans who had been excluded due to their income.

Deputy Secretary Gould Congratulates VA Employees - Deputy Secretary of Veterans Affairs W. Scott Gould congratulated two employees of the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) on becoming finalists for the 2009 Service to America Medals, the top award to federal workers for their contributions to the nation.

Wounded Warrior Honored for His Disability Advocacy - A young combat veteran from Arlington, Virginia who returned from Iraq with brain injuries was honored today for his "tireless quest to help other veterans" by the prestigious HSC Foundation, a Washington nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting teens and young adults with disabilities.

VA Web Site Helps College Counselors Aid Veterans - The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has launched a new Web site to strengthen the connection between college and university mental health professionals and the Veterans of the Iraq and Afghanistan conflicts now studying on their campuses.

VA Recognizes Military Sacrifices on Memorial Day - From parades to somber ceremonies and a moment of silence, Americans will recall the sacrifices of military members who paid the ultimate price for freedom on Memorial Day, Monday, May 25.

President Obama's 2010 Spending Plan Initiates Transformation for VA Services - Today, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) announced President Obama's 2010 budget for VA. The budget emphasizes a Veteran-centric commitment to expanded services with a 15.5 percent increase over 2009, the largest percentage increase for VA requested by a president in more than 30 years.

VA Applications for Post-9/11 GI Bill Benefits - The Department of Veterans Affairs announced today that Veterans can begin submitting applications on-line for the Post-9/11 GI Bill.

Queensland Online Register of War Memorials - More than 1000 Queensland war memorials are being registered on a State Government website launched today ahead of this year’s ANZAC Day commemorations.

National Veterans Golden Age Games - Birmingham - The Golden Age Games are open to all U.S. military Veterans age 55 or older who receive care at a Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) medical facility. The games give participants the opportunity to compete in ambulatory, visually-impaired and wheelchair divisions, according to their ages.

New Web Site and Blog for Returning Veterans - The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has launched its new “Returning Veterans” Web site to welcome home Veterans of the Iraq and Afghanistan conflicts with a social, Veteran-centric Web site focusing on their needs and questions.

Universities Partner with VA in Nursing Initiative - To provide compassionate, highly-trained nurses to serve the health care needs of the nation's Veterans, the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is establishing new partnerships with five of the country's finest nursing schools.

Medical Journal Praises VA Electronic Health Record - A recent study in the prestigious New England Journal of Medicine singles out the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) for its successful implementation of a comprehensive system of electronic health records.

VA Notification for Veterans Affected by Reprocessing Issues - The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has announced 3,174 Veterans have already been notified of the results of testing they underwent recently, that testing was conducted because of improperly reprocessed endoscopy equipment that may have been used in their care.

VA Announces $1.4 Billion Recovery Spending - The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) will spend more than $1.4 billion as part of President Obama's economic recovery plan to improve services to America's Veterans.

VA to Build Stand Alone Replacement Hospital in Denver - Secretary of Veterans Affairs Eric K. Shinseki announced today that the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) will build a stand-alone replacement hospital for its existing facility in Denver. The new facility will be located on the grounds of the Army's former Fitzsimons hospital in Aurora.

American Legion Opposed to President's Plan to Charge Wounded Heroes for Treatment - The leader of the nation's largest veterans organization says he is "deeply disappointed and concerned" after a meeting with President Obama today to discuss a proposal to force private insurance companies to pay for the treatment of military veterans who have suffered service-connected disabilities and injuries.

Open Letter to Veterans From Secretary of Veterans Affairs Eric K. Shinseki - My name is Ric Shinseki, and I am a Veteran. For me, serving as Secretary of Veterans Affairs is a noble calling. It provides me the opportunity to give back to those who served with and for me during my 38 years in uniform and those on whose shoulders we all stood as we grew up in the profession of arms.

Over 400 Disabled Veterans Register to Ski at National Event - As evidence of what President Barack Obama called America’s “unyielding commitment” to our nation’s Veterans, more than 400 severely injured Veterans will take part in the 23rd National Disabled Veterans Winter Sports Clinic from March 29 through April 3 in Snowmass Village, Colo.

Post Traumatic Stress Disorder and Traumatic Brain Injury - National Council on Disability - The National Council on Disability (NCD) today released a report recommending changes in the continuum of health care provided to service members and veterans with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI).

2010 Budget Request Strongly Supports VA Programs - President Obama's first proposed budget for the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) expands eligibility for health care to an additional 500,000 deserving Veterans over the next five years, meets the need for continued growth in programs for the combat Veterans of Iraq and Afghanistan, and provides the resources to deliver quality health care for the Nation's 5.5 million Veteran patients.

Obama Proposes Expansion of VA Health care - The president's proposed budget for Veterans Affairs would provide health care to non-disabled veterans whose income exceeds about $30,000 annually. Obama has promised to provide VA health care to those blocked under the Bush administration.

VA Reforms Evaluation System for Seriously Injured Vets - Two years is much too long to determine service disabilities, especially when the injuries obviously qualify a service member for full benefits and compensation. Until recently, that's how long it took all military members to reach 100-percent-disabled status in terms of their disability compensation and medical benefits through the departments of Defense and Veterans Affairs.

Applying for Veterans Disability and Pension - Applying for and receiving disability benefits or a pension from the Veteran's Administration is not always an easy process. The system can be confusing and discouraging, but don't give up. You may be eligible for VA benefits if you are: A veteran, A veteran's dependent, A surviving spouse, child or parent of a Deceased veteran, An active duty military service member, A member of the Reserve or National Guard.

VA Refinance Loans Help During Tough Economic Times - Many Americans, including our veterans, may be feeling the effects of current economic tough times. And, many homeowners fear that if they don't get some relief fast, foreclosures may be in their future. Relief may be in sight now that the Veterans' Benefits Improvement Act of 2008 has established new and better VA loan conditions.

Border Patrol Looking to Recruit Veterans - If you've enjoyed serving your nation in the U.S. military, then you may want to take a look at working for the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) when you separate from the service. The CBP's Veterans Outreach Program looks to recruit and hire qualified veterans who have proudly served their country.

U.S. Congress Recognizes Filipino Veterans World War II Service - Secretary of Veterans Affairs Eric K. Shinseki announced a new benefit for Filipino Veterans who aided American troops in World War II -- a cash payment authorized through the newly enacted American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.

Service Dogs for Disabled Vets - Efforts to help disabled soldiers returning from battlefields in Iraq and Afghanistan received a big boost from Vets Helping Heroes: $1.25 million, which will secure trained service dogs. The funds were raised at the Vets Helping Heroes’ Gala at The Breakers, presented by FMSbonds, Inc., followed by a golf tournament at Trump International.

Veterans Affairs Announces Expansion of Disability Evaluation System - The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) announced today the expansion of the Disability Evaluation System (DES) pilot which started in the National Capitol Region in coordination with the Department of Defense (DoD). The pilot is a test of a new process that eliminates duplicative, time-consuming and often confusing elements of the two current disability processes of the departments.

Link to "World Veteran News and Information" - http://www.disabled-world.com/news/veterans/