Message to My Readers 022425

 

The last update to this blog was posted on January 13, 2025, one month and 11 days ago.

 

This update captures the high points of what has happened in the past 41 days.

 

I am still dealing with some pulmonary issues, abdominal issues. and some back issues.  I recently learned that my cancer came back, which could account for some of those symptoms.  I will soon be getting radiation therapy for that.  Accordingly, this will probably be the last blog update of its kind due to the other demands on my time.  If there are any, they will be very brief and cover a limited number of topics.

 

This blog update is about 227 pages of links to the news covering the last 41 days.  This has been a very busy period.

 

I have tried to list all veteran legislation that was passed by Congress and then enacted by the President.  If I did not learn of a change in any previously reported veteran-related legislation, then that legislation is not mentioned in this update.  Now is the time to contact our elected representatives and senators to remind them of who they represent.  For more details about pending veteran-related legislation, see the earlier/prior blog updates.

 

The links appear in the categories listed below, including Veterans; Criminal Justice and Racism and Ageism and other discrimination; Economics and Coronavirus; Economics and Corruption and Healthcare and Education; Ecology and Pollution and Climate Change; Politics and Coronavirus; Politics; Terrorism; Military; and General and Miscellaneous (includes spirituality, music, etc.).   Don’t forget to click on the items in the column on the right to open the pages for those categories.  Then, click on the link to each article for details pertaining to that headline.

 

The war of resistance by Ukraine against the Russian invasion about 36 months ago continues.  Today is the 3^rd anniversary of the invasion.  So-called peace negotiations seem to have begun.  Find these stories under “terrorism.”

 

The world is struggling to determine if the dominant form of government will be authoritarianism or democracy.  Even here in the United States, long known as the world’s beacon of democracy, there is a question about whether democracy can survive without another civil war.  It must be noted that democracy is not a spectator sport; rather, one must participate in the democratic process by supporting your preferred candidates and legislative initiatives and voting in every election.  Also, freedom is not free; in order for each of us to be free, we must exercise our freedom and demand that our rights be respected.

 

Let’s remember that two obvious existential threats faced by humanity are climate change and nuclear holocaust.  To mitigate these threats, the humanity of the entire earth must unite in common cause.  We must each answer for ourselves what is perhaps the most important question in the Old Testament, “Am I my brother’s keeper?”  We are all dependent on each other.  None can survive if we don’t all survive.  Humans cannot survive without nature because humans are part of nature.  Perhaps if all humanity can unite, we can bring into existence a world humanism.

 

We must continue to resist tyranny, fascism, authoritarianism, racism, sexism, misogyny, xenophobia, ageism, etc.  The three impurities of life are avarice, anger, and ignorance.  What others need from us is respect, kindness, and love.  The more respect, kindness, and love that we give to others, the more respect, kindness, and love we get in our lives and the better we feel about ourselves.  The 8 billion human beings on planet earth need to cooperate more with each other and compete less with each other.  We all need to learn how to equitably and sustainably share the resources of the earth with each other and with all other species on planet earth.

 

Peace, love, and respect to all.  Feedback is welcome.  My contact information is:

 

Email: ldholman40@gmail.com     

 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/larry.holman.52     

 

Twitter: https://twitter.com/LarryHolman2

Veterans related links 022425

 

U.S. Marine Corps : For Valor (Sgt. Robert E. O'Malley)Vintage VHS Reel/Congressional Medal of Honor

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_cC4mdzDkk8

 

Soldier's Song – July 27. 2013

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XR2EV4B7BLo

 

65th Infantry "A Regiment Of Heroes" English – August 29, 2014

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x1Lin7yNSoQ

 

An Investigation Into Foreign Entities Who Are Targeting Servicemembers and Veterans Online

https://84df94ee36.nxcli.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/VVA-Investigation.pdf

 

#GerofitExercise: 10 Minute Cardio Circuit For All Abilities – September 29, 2020

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oEfqzETvkJg

 

Pawn Stars: Seller Asks $75,000 for Hotchkiss Revolving Cannon! (Season 4) - July 15, 2023

https://youtu.be/siczabUGziI?si=6rRW2YFi6KCoe-_R

 

A Second Trump Term Would Decimate Veterans’ Healthcare and Benefits – August 13, 2024

https://veteranspolicy.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/VHPI-Project-2025-Report.pdf

 

PTSD Treatment: Know Your Options – September 11, 2024

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7ywmre5ohKU

 

NAVY READINESS:  Actions Needed to Improve Support for Sailor-Led Maintenance – September 2024

https://www.gao.gov/assets/gao-24-106525.pdf

 

S.2825 - Dustoff Crews of the Vietnam War Congressional Gold Medal Act.  Latest Action: 09/26/2024 -Became Public Law No: 118-87. (Applies to Medevac also)

https://www.congress.gov/bill/118th-congress/senate-bill/2825

 

Disaster assistance and resources for Veterans – October 8, 2024

https://news.va.gov/132965/disaster-assistance-and-resources-for-veterans/

 

S.656 - Veteran Improvement Commercial Driver License Act of 2023.  Latest Action: 10/01/2024 – Became Public Law No: 118-95.

https://www.congress.gov/bill/118th-congress/senate-bill/656

 

STOP PROJECT 2025 – October 17, 2024

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pHUO55eXCNk

 

Remembering the Vietnam War: A Memorial Tour at Arlington Cemetery – October 31, 2024

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_KxUOEYX15I

 

How Recovering the History of a Little-Known Lakota Massacre Could Heal Generational Pain – November 2024

https://www.smithsonianmag.com/history/how-recovering-history-little-known-lakota-massacre-could-heal-generation-pain-180985226/

 

VA Fiscal Year 2024 Agency Financial Report – November 15, 2024

https://department.va.gov/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/2024-va-afr-full-report.pdf

 

Privatizer Pete Hegseth Is Bad for Military Families and Veterans.  Most media reports ignore that Hegseth was a leading advocate for turning veterans care over to private doctors and hospitals. – December 2, 2024

https://www.commondreams.org/opinion/pete-hegseth-privatization-va

 

MOAA Earns Spot on ‘Top Lobbyist’ List for 18th Straight Year - December 05, 2024

https://www.moaa.org/content/publications-and-media/news-articles/2024-news-articles/advocacy/moaa-earns-spot-on-top-lobbyist-list-for-18th-straight-year/#:~:text=MOAA%E2%80%99s%20ongoing%20work%20on%20Capitol%20Hill%20on%20behalf,the%20association%20on%20its%20list%20of%20Top%20Lobbyists. 

 

U.S. Congress passes continuing resolution to fund the government until March 14, 2025 – December 20, 2024

https://www.naco.org/news/us-congress-passes-continuing-resolution-fund-government-until-march-14-2025

 

Dispatches, Episode 33, Ray Boomhower – January 6, 2025

https://vvaveteran.org/videos/index.html

 

MOAA’s Legislative Priorities for the 119th Congress – January 8, 2025

https://www.moaa.org/content/publications-and-media/news-articles/2025-news-articles/advocacy/moaas-legislative-priorities-for-the-119th-congress/

 

3 Tips to Engage Your New Lawmakers (and Enhance MOAA’s Advocacy Efforts) – January 8, 2025

https://www.moaa.org/content/publications-and-media/news-articles/2025-news-articles/advocacy/3-tips-to-engage-your-new-lawmakers-(and-enhance-moaas-advocacy-efforts)/

 

Businessman Sentenced for Theft of Pandemic Relief Funds – January 8, 2025

https://www.justice.gov/usao-ma/pr/businessman-sentenced-theft-pandemic-relief-funds

 

California Man Admits Role In $10 Million Health Care Kickback Scheme – January 8, 2025

https://www.justice.gov/usao-nj/pr/california-man-admits-role-10-million-health-care-kickback-scheme

 

Former Senior Partner at McKinsey & Company Pleads Guilty – January 10, 2025

https://www.justice.gov/usao-wdva/pr/former-senior-partner-mckinsey-company-pleads-guilty

 

Clinical Resource Hub increases Veterans’ access to care.  “Dr. Martinez is the best thing that ever happened to my husband.” – January 12, 2025

https://news.va.gov/137439/clinical-resource-hub-increases-access-to-care/

 

I inherited my father's war medals – now I'm being forced to bid on them at auction – January 13, 2025

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2025/01/13/burma-fathers-war-medals-wg-cdr-beadon-raf/

 

Philadelphia has no state-mandated veterans affairs director. Vets want answers. – January 13, 2025

https://www.inquirer.com/news/philadelphia-veteran-affairs-vacant-dmva-kenyatta-johnson-darrell-clarke-20250113.html

 

Unsung heroes: Selfless service by volunteers.  Volunteers support and make a difference in the lives of Veterans – January 13, 2025

https://news.va.gov/137443/unsung-heroes-selfless-service-by-volunteers/

 

Hiring Veterans: Jobs of the week for Jan. 13, 2025

https://news.va.gov/137670/hiring-veterans-jobs-week-jan-13-2025/

 

Live Whole Health #256: Unlock relaxation with intentional breathing – January 13, 2025

https://news.va.gov/137658/live-whole-health-256-unlock-relaxation-with-intentional-breathing/

 

Army Veteran Sentenced to Federal Prison For Over Three-Quarter Million Dollar Benefit Fraud – January 13, 2025

https://www.justice.gov/usao-ndfl/pr/army-veteran-sentenced-federal-prison-over-three-quarter-million-dollar-benefit-fraud

 

Military Discounts for Valentine's Day – January 13, 2025

https://www.military.com/discounts/military-discounts-for-valentines-day.html

 

Healthcare Facility Inspection of the Fargo VA Health Care System in North Dakota – January 14, 2025

https://www.vaoig.gov/reports/healthcare-facility-inspection/healthcare-facility-inspection-fargo-va-health-care-system

 

DAV’s Critical Policy Goals 2025

https://www.dav.org/wp-content/uploads/CriticalPolicyGoals_Full_2025_w.pdf

 

We solve veterans issues through legislation

https://www.dav.org/about-dav/legislation/

 

Join VFW’s exclusive gaming league for Veterans.  Registration for the current season closes January 25 – January 14, 2025

https://news.va.gov/137713/join-vfws-exclusive-gaming-league-for-veterans/

 

Veteran has gastric sleeve operation, a life-changing surgery.  New year, new beginnings – January 14, 2025

https://news.va.gov/137449/veteran-gastric-sleeve-life-changing-surgery/

 

Spread the word: The 2025 Veterans Benefits Guide is now available – January 14, 2025

https://news.va.gov/137659/spread-the-word-the-2025-veterans-benefits-guide-is-now-available/

 

What to know about Doug Collins, who would lead veterans affairs – January 14, 2025

https://www.nbcwashington.com/news/national-international/doug-collins-veterans-affairs/3813381/

 

Find the right balance between life and work as a gynecologist at VA.  Offer care and support – January 14, 2025

https://news.va.gov/137176/find-the-right-balance-as-a-gynecologist-at-va/

 

Healthcare Facility Inspection of the VA Poplar Bluff Health Care System in Missouri – January 15, 2025

https://www.vaoig.gov/reports/healthcare-facility-inspection/healthcare-facility-inspection-va-poplar-bluff-health-care

 

VBA Provided Accurate Training on Processing PACT Act Claims but Did Not Fully Evaluate Its Effectiveness – January 15, 2025

https://www.vaoig.gov/reports/review/vba-provided-accurate-training-processing-pact-act-claims-did-not-fully-evaluate-its

 

Memphis Nurse Honor Guard.  Honoring nurses who served those who served – January 15, 2025

https://news.va.gov/137649/memphis-nurse-honor-guard/

 

Long-term care facilities enhance lives of Veterans.  Geriatrics and extended care services for Veterans – January 15, 2025

https://news.va.gov/137567/long-term-facilities-enhance-lives-of-veterans/

 

Become an Air Force Junior ROTC instructor – January 15, 2025

https://news.va.gov/137675/become-an-air-force-junior-rotc-instructor/

 

Four VA virtual care resources for caregivers.  For a Veteran’s family member or professional caregiver – January 16, 2025

https://news.va.gov/137622/four-va-virtual-care-resources-for-caregivers/

 

Mocktail magic: Sip your way through Dry January.  Here’s an easy recipe – January 16, 2025

https://news.va.gov/137653/mocktail-magic-sip-your-way-through-dry-january/

 

Care in the Community Inspection of VA Desert Pacific Healthcare Network (VISN 22) and Selected VA Medical Centers – January 16, 2025

https://www.vaoig.gov/reports/care-community-healthcare-inspection/care-community-inspection-va-desert-pacific-healthcare

 

VA expands access to Veterans Legacy Memorial, allowing Veterans to chronicle their life story – January 16, 2025

https://news.va.gov/press-room/va-expands-access-to-veterans-legacy-memorial-allowing-veterans-to-chronicle-their-life-story/

 

The Battle over Veterans’ Health Care: How the Republican Majority Hopes to Reshape the VA – January 16, 2025

https://www.military.com/daily-news/2025/01/16/battle-over-veterans-health-care-how-republican-majority-hopes-reshape-va.html

 

VA offers extensive resources for military spouses.  Your experience, our opportunities – January 17, 2025

https://news.va.gov/137454/va-offers-extensive-resources-military-spouses/

 

San Diego VA ASPIRE Center success – January 17, 2025

https://news.va.gov/137786/san-diego-va-aspire-center-success/

 

Honoring Veterans: Army Veteran Bob Uecker – January 17, 2025

https://news.va.gov/137776/honoring-veterans-army-bob-uecker/

 

Battle of the Bulge commemorated 80 years on – January 17, 2025

https://news.va.gov/137735/battle-of-the-bulge-commemorated-80-years-on/

 

Homeless Vets Evacuated from VA Shelters to Avoid LA Fires Return to Uncertain Future – January 17, 2025

https://www.military.com/daily-news/2025/01/17/homeless-vets-evacuated-va-shelters-avoid-la-fires-return-uncertain-future.html

 

New Bedford Man Sentenced to Prison for Stealing Over $450,000 in Veterans Disability Benefits

Friday, January 17, 2025

https://www.justice.gov/usao-ma/pr/new-bedford-man-sentenced-prison-stealing-over-450000-veterans-disability-benefits

 

Pharmacist guilty in $110 million dollar kickback conspiracy – January 17, 2025

https://www.justice.gov/usao-sdtx/pr/pharmacist-guilty-110-million-dollar-kickback-conspiracy

 

Vietnam Veteran completes new VA login changes.  Change simplifies access and strengthens security – January 18, 2025

https://news.va.gov/137687/vietnam-veteran-completes-new-va-login-changes/

 

Preventing and managing a suicide crisis.  Resources can help you prepare – January 18, 2025

https://news.va.gov/137693/preventing-and-managing-a-suicide-crisis/

 

Winter: ’Tis the season to tend to your health.  Gear up for the colder weather – January 19, 2025

https://news.va.gov/137703/winter-tis-the-season-to-tend-to-your-health/

 

Live Whole Health #257: You should know Squat! – January 20, 2025

https://news.va.gov/137823/live-whole-health-257-you-should-know-squat/

 

Service dog brings hope, purpose.  Marine Corp Veteran has new purpose and motivation – January 20, 2025

https://news.va.gov/137742/service-dog-brings-hope-purpose/

 

Hiring Veterans: Jobs of the week for Jan. 20, 2025

https://news.va.gov/137777/hiring-veterans-jobs-week-jan-20-2025/

 

24 Medal of Honor recipients to be honored at Veterans Inaugural Ball - Salute to Heroes – January 20, 2025

https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/24-medal-of-honor-recipients-to-be-honored-at-veterans-inaugural-ball--salute-to-heroes-302354844.html

 

WATCH LIVE: Doug Collins testifies at Senate confirmation hearing for VA secretary – January 21, 2025

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FYxtovXDOBk

 

'Let Me Start With Some Easy Questions...': Blumenthal Grills VA Sec. Nom. Collins Over Priorities – January 21, 2025

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uZ1phThAY8w

 

'Nothing's Going To Hold That Up': VA Sec. Nominee Doug Collins Vows Expanded Rural Access – January 21, 2025

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aClQLkaYtBM

 

JUST IN: Trump's VA Sec. Nominee Doug Collins Squares Off With Mazie Hirono Over Abortion Access – January 21, 2025

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=df6IvHDmfxE

 

'Are You Willing To Tell Us That You're Going To Fight For A Strong VA': Sanders Grills Doug Collins – January 21, 2025

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9g_D7yTn5mU

 

'I Want To Know What Specifically That Means': Patty Murray Grills VA Sec. Nominee Doug Collins – January 21, 2025

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dEbZDtuOLTI

 

Tim Sheehy Urges VA Sec. Nominee Doug Collins To 'Actually Expand Access To Community Care' – January 21, 2025

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LVtRuorjUJM

 

Tommy Tuberville Asks Doug Collins To Probe Whether VA Funds Were Spent On Illegal Immigrants – January 21, 2025

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O8WDl2YAP48

 

WATCH: Sen. Blumenthal asks Collins whether federal hiring freeze would affect veterans’ benefits – January 21, 2025

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ali2D9d90CQ

 

Doug Collins answers questions regarding veterans' benefits and budget cuts for VA – January 21, 2025

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V2TnD-br7yE

 

WATCH: Sen. King warns Collins against using AI to determine veterans benefits – January 21, 2025

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OED8HJXzRWc

 

VA announces Trump administration appointees – January 21, 2025

https://news.va.gov/press-room/va-announces-trump-administration-appointees/

 

VA Health Connect reaches millions of Veterans.  120 million calls handled – January 21, 2025

https://news.va.gov/137704/va-health-connect-reaches-millions-of-veterans/

 

Veteran empowerment program seeking applicants for new season of adventures – January 21, 2025

https://news.va.gov/137798/vet-program-seeking-applicants-new-adventures/

 

U.S. pilot who vanished during Vietnam War spy mission finally accounted for – January 21, 2025

https://www.cbsnews.com/news/donald-downing-air-force-pilot-vanished-vietnam-war-accounted/

 

Nonclinical? No problem! VA has opportunities for everyone – January 21, 2025

https://news.va.gov/135931/nonclinical-no-problem-va-has-jobs-everyone/

 

Hiring Freeze Guidance (VIEWS 12678309) – January 21, 2025

https://department.va.gov/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/12678309_memo-hiring-freeze-guidance-signed.pdf

 

VA announces Trump Administration appointees – January 21, 2025

https://news.va.gov/press-room/va-announces-trump-administration-appointees/

 

Sen. Moran Delivers Opening Remarks During Hearing on the Nomination of Congressman Doug Collins to be VA Secretary – January 21, 2025

https://www.veterans.senate.gov/2025/1/sen-moran-delivers-opening-remarks-during-hearing-on-the-nomination-of-congressman-doug-collins-to-be-va-secretary

 

Care in the Community Inspection of VA Sierra Pacific Network (VISN 21) and Selected VA Medical Centers – January 22, 2025

https://www.vaoig.gov/reports/care-community-healthcare-inspection/care-community-inspection-va-sierra-pacific-network

 

Enhancing the Veteran experience through VR.  Veteran uses virtual reality to improve the experience for Veterans – January 22, 2025

https://news.va.gov/137810/enhancing-the-veteran-experience-through-vr/

 

Restoring Focus: Putting Veterans First in Community Care.  Statement of Brittany Dymond Murray, Associate Director, Communications & Public Affairs, Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States Before The United States House of Representatives Committee on Veterans’ Affairs – January 22, 2025 

https://www.vfw.org/advocacy/national-legislative-service/congressional-testimony/2025/1/restoring-focus-putting-veterans-first-in-community-care

 

Achieve your New Year’s resolutions with VA resources.  Variety of tools that help you track achievable goals – January 23, 2025

https://news.va.gov/137745/achieve-new-years-resolutions-va-resources/

 

Leaders Failed to Ensure a Dermatologist Provided Quality Care at the Carl T. Hayden VA Medical Center in Phoenix, Arizona – January 23, 2025

https://www.vaoig.gov/reports/hotline-healthcare-inspection/leaders-failed-ensure-dermatologist-provided-quality-care

 

VA declares hiring-freeze exemptions – January 23, 2025

https://news.va.gov/press-room/va-declares-hiring-freeze-exemptions/

 

Correcting VA's Violations of Veterans' Due Process and Second Amendment Rights. Statement Of Nancy Springer, Associate Director, National Legislative Service, Veterans of Foreign Wars of The United States, Before The United States House of Representatives Committee on Veterans’ Affairs, Subcommittee on Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs – January 23, 2025 

https://www.vfw.org/advocacy/national-legislative-service/congressional-testimony/2025/1/correcting-vas-violations-of-veterans-due-process-and-second-amendment-rights

 

Navigating PTSD in the workplace.  Unique challenges in navigating the workplace – January 24, 2025

https://news.va.gov/137869/navigating-ptsd-in-the-workplace/

 

Honoring Veterans: Coast Guard Veteran Edmund Reardon – January 24, 2025

https://news.va.gov/137898/honoring-veterans-coast-guard-veteran-edmund-reardon/

 

Rural Veterans at risk for lung disease receive care through TelePulmonology.  TelePulmonology gives Veterans access to lung specialists – January 24, 2025

https://news.va.gov/137748/rural-veterans-lung-care-telepulmonology/

 

80th Anniversary of D-Day landings commemorated in Normandy – January 24, 2025

https://news.va.gov/137916/80th-anniversary-d-day-commemorated-in-normandy/

 

Exploring Rural VA Communities: Fort Meade, South Dakota.  Enjoy a change of pace – January 24, 2025

https://news.va.gov/137458/exploring-rural-va-fort-meade-south-dakota/

 

VA wants hiring freeze exemptions for 300,000 roles The acting Veterans Affairs secretary said in a Jan. 21 memo that the requested exemptions cover positions critical to the delivery of health care services. – January 24, 2025

https://www.govexec.com/management/2025/01/va-wants-hiring-freeze-exemptions-300000-roles/402482/

 

Trump pick for VA secretary promises to prioritize Oracle EHR deployment – January 24, 2025

https://www.healthcaredive.com/news/va-secretary-nominee-doug-collins-prioritize-oracle-ehr-rollout/738146/

 

PTSD treatment works: Resources from the National Center for PTSD.  Learn how PTSD treatment can help you – January 25, 2025

https://news.va.gov/137752/ptsd-resources-from-national-center-for-ptsd/

 

The push to get back into the Wheelchair Games.  “She twisted my arm, then twisted both legs.” – January 26, 2025

https://news.va.gov/137755/the-push-get-back-into-wheelchair-games/

 

VA Announces New Appointees and Hiring-Freeze Exemptions Under Trump Administration – January 26, 2025

https://www.mychesco.com/a/news/national/va-announces-new-appointees-and-hiring-freeze-exemptions-under-trump-administration/

 

Veterans Benefits Gone with Improvement Act of 2024? Will You Lose Your VA Benefits? – January 27, 2025

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xSoOLPdU-Mw

 

2025 DAV Mid-Winter Conference, February 23–26, 2025

https://www.dav.org/events/2025-mid-winter-conference/

 

DAV’s Critical Policy Goals 2025

https://www.dav.org/wp-content/uploads/Critical_Policy_Goals_Condensed_2025_w.pdf

 

VetResources Community Network Catalyst Award application is now open.  $100,000 will be awarded to 10 Veteran-community-serving non-profit organizations or teams – January 27, 2025

https://news.va.gov/137925/vetresources-catalyst-award-application-open/

 

Donate blood. Deliver hope.  Volunteers are the only source of blood and the need is urgent – January 27, 2025

https://news.va.gov/137891/donate-blood-deliver-hope/

 

Hiring Veterans: Jobs of the week for Jan. 27, 2025

https://news.va.gov/137971/hiring-veterans-jobs-week-jan-27-2025/

 

VA ends DEI, stops millions in spending on DEI.  For immediate release – January 27, 2025

https://news.va.gov/press-room/va-ends-dei-stops-millions-in-spending-on-dei/

 

Live Whole Health #258: Get SMART! – January 27, 2025

https://news.va.gov/137942/live-whole-health-258-get-smart/

 

VA, DOD oversight questioned after Trump inspector general firings – January 27, 2025

https://www.militarytimes.com/news/pentagon-congress/2025/01/27/va-dod-oversight-questioned-after-trump-inspector-general-firings/

 

Obituary of Edward Kopple

https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/name/edward-kopple-obituary?id=57434311

 

Prepare for VA’s secure sign-in changes.  In 2025, you’ll need to start using a Login.gov or ID.me account to sign in.

https://www.va.gov/initiatives/prepare-for-vas-secure-sign-in-changes/

 

EXPLORE ENERGY CAREERS

https://getintoenergy.org/veterans/

 

The Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency announced Identification for -- World War II Army Air Forces Capt. Arthur M. Lingo

https://www.dpaa.mil/News-Stories/ID-Announcements/Article/4034784/soldier-accounted-for-from-world-war-ii-lingo-a/

 

The Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency announced Identification for -- Korean War Army Sgt. DeLoren D. Dage

https://www.dpaa.mil/News-Stories/ID-Announcements/Article/4034769/soldier-accounted-for-from-korean-war-dage-d/  

 

The Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency announced burial Update for -- World War II Army Air Forces Staff Sgt. Felix J. Shostak, Vermont

https://www.dpaa.mil/News-Stories/ID-Announcements/Article/4034434/pilot-accounted-for-from-world-war-ii-shostak-f/

 

The Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency announced burial Update for -- World War II Army Air Forces Staff Sgt. Eugene J. Darrigan, New York

https://www.dpaa.mil/News-Stories/ID-Announcements/Article/4034902/airman-accounted-for-from-world-war-ii-darrigan-e/

 

The Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency announced burial Update for -- Korean War Army Pfc. Joseph R. Travers, Massachusetts

https://www.dpaa.mil/News-Stories/ID-Announcements/Article/4034584/soldier-accounted-for-from-korean-war-travers-j/

 

The Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency announced burial Update for -- Vietnam War Air Force Lt. Col. Donald W. Downing, Virginia

https://www.dpaa.mil/News-Stories/ID-Announcements/Article/4034508/pilot-accounted-for-from-vietnam-downing-d/

 

Improvements in Patient Safety, but Concerns Identified with Staffing Shortages Affecting Quality of Care at the VA Community Living Center in Miles City, Montana – January 28, 2025

https://www.vaoig.gov/reports/hotline-healthcare-inspection/improvements-patient-safety-concerns-identified-staffing

 

Upcoming sign-in changes protect Veteran data.  Read how to make a Login.gov or ID.me account – January 28, 2025

https://news.va.gov/137835/upcoming-sign-in-changes-protect-veteran-data/

 

Your online presence: Shhh! It’s not their business – January 28, 2025

https://news.va.gov/137911/your-online-presence-shhh-its-not-their-business/

 

Trump funding freeze is ‘chaotically spiteful madness,’ says Chris Hayes – January 28, 2025

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y8Rfp50DfZw

 

VA statement regarding grants, loans and other financial assistance programs – January 28, 2025

https://news.va.gov/press-room/va-statement-regarding-grants-loans-and-other-financial-assistance-programs/

 

VA blamed for creating barriers to veterans seeking private health care – January 28, 2025

https://www.stripes.com/veterans/2025-01-28/veterans-private-health-care-senate-16629738.html

 

Venezuelan National Arrested Outside Veterans Medical Center For Possessing Fraudulent Green Cards And Social Security Cards - January 28, 2025

https://www.justice.gov/usao-mdfl/pr/venezuelan-national-arrested-outside-veterans-medical-center-possessing-fraudulent

 

JWV Sends Letter to Sen. Thune and Sen. Schumer – January 28, 2025

https://mcusercontent.com/92e93552acc664144f0caad67/files/0aa18ac8-da6b-9165-aa2a-ae9a714f15be/Binder1.pdf

 

Keep an eye out for glaucoma.  Only half of people living with glaucoma are aware they have it. – January 29, 2025

https://news.va.gov/137928/keep-an-eye-out-for-glaucoma/

 

Best of 2024: Top VetResources of the year – January 29, 2025

https://news.va.gov/137949/best-of-2024-top-vetresources-year/

 

Volunteer creates karaoke program.  “Human connection is such a powerful thing.” – January 29, 2025

https://news.va.gov/137838/volunteer-creates-karaoke-program/

 

Take charge of your financial future with FINVET – January 29, 2025

https://news.va.gov/137921/take-charge-financial-future-finvet/

 

Is convenience worth your privacy? – January 29, 2025

https://news.va.gov/137960/is-convenience-worth-your-privacy/

 

Here’s what veterans want VA secretary nominee Doug Collins to work on – January 29, 2025

https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/news/3300325/what-veterans-want-doug-collins-work-on-va/

 

VA benefits won’t be halted under White House funding freeze order – January 29, 2025

https://www.militarytimes.com/news/pentagon-congress/2025/01/29/va-benefits-wont-be-halted-under-white-house-funding-freeze-order/

 

VA Says 44 Programs Will Continue After Review Required by Trump Federal Funding Freeze – January 29, 2025

https://www.military.com/daily-news/2025/01/29/va-says-44-programs-will-continue-after-review-required-trump-federal-funding-freeze.html

 

Prepare for the VA's health portal changes – January 29, 2025

https://www.wsiltv.com/news/prepare-for-the-vas-health-portal-changes/article_66067038-de43-11ef-851f-5fe7b3787800.html

 

VA Says 44 Programs Will Continue After Review Required by Trump Federal Funding Freeze – January 29, 2025

https://www.military.com/daily-news/2025/01/29/va-says-44-programs-will-continue-after-review-required-trump-federal-funding-freeze.html

 

There are many ways to reach out for support.  If you’re facing a challenge, there are several ways to find the help you need – January 30, 2025

https://news.va.gov/137700/there-are-many-ways-to-reach-out-for-support/

 

Protecting your benefits data from fraudsters – January 30, 2025

https://news.va.gov/137961/protecting-your-benefits-data-from-fraudsters/

 

Deficiencies in Case Management and Access to Care for HUD-VASH Veterans at the VA Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System in California – January 30, 2025

https://www.vaoig.gov/reports/hotline-healthcare-inspection/deficiencies-case-management-and-access-care-hud-vash

 

Atlanta Call Center Staffing and Operational Challenges Provide Lessons for the New VISN 7 Clinical Contact Center – January 30, 2025

https://www.vaoig.gov/reports/review/atlanta-call-center-staffing-and-operational-challenges-provide-lessons-new-visn-7

 

VA leaders dismiss directors of offices for women, minority veterans – January 30, 2025

https://www.militarytimes.com/veterans/2025/01/30/va-leaders-dismiss-directors-of-offices-for-women-minority-veterans/  

 

The WWII Fighter Ace and Medal of Honor Recipient Who Helped Give America the Super Bowl – January 30, 2025

https://www.military.com/off-duty/wwii-fighter-ace-and-medal-of-honor-recipient-who-helped-give-america-super-bowl.html

 

The 65th Annual TAL Washington Conference will be held February 22-26, 2025, at the Washington Hilton Hotel, 1919 Connecticut Ave, Washington DC.

https://www.legion.org/get-involved/meetings/washington-conference

 

DAV Pennsylvania Department Convention, June 16-20, 2025 (Banquet date – June 19)

Best Western Premier, The Central Hotel, Harrisburg, PA

https://www.dav.org/events-calendar/pennsylvania-department-convention-3/

 

Honoring Veterans: Army Veteran Harry R. Truman – January 31, 2025

https://news.va.gov/138068/honoring-veterans-army-veteran-harry-r-truman/

 

Defenders protect Veterans at medical center.  “Most of us served in either Iraq or Afghanistan.” – January 31, 2025

https://news.va.gov/138040/defenders-protect-veterans-at-medical-center/

 

Older Americans 2024: Key Indicators of Well-Being report – January 31, 2025

https://news.va.gov/137962/older-americans-2024-key-indicators-of-well-being-report/

 

Veteran Buddy Checks encourage Veterans to connect or reconnect with their Veteran friends–just to check in. As part of the effort, Veteran Buddy Check Week, which takes place October 20-24, 2025, builds on the success of the American Legion’s Buddy Check program and the Veteran Wellness Alliance’s Get Involved program.

https://department.va.gov/veterans-experience/va-veteran-buddy-checks/

 

Atlanta VA says fixes in place after report confirmed 30% of calls for help went unanswered – January 31, 2025

https://www.wsbtv.com/news/local/atlanta/atlanta-va-says-fixes-place-after-report-confirmed-30-calls-help-went-unanswered/GPBZQT2JCREFFGMY5QQGWHLC2I/

 

Veterans get more time to transition to new online login system. – January 31, 2025

https://news.va.gov/press-room/veterans-get-more-time-to-transition-to-new-online-login-system/

 

Directors of VA’s veterans centers for minorities and women terminated – January 31, 2025

https://www.stripes.com/veterans/2025-01-31/veterans-minorities-women-directors-fired-16670334.html

 

DMVA Assists Veterans With More Than $1 Billion in Claims for 2024, Stresses Importance of Having Military Paperwork in Order – January 31, 2025

https://www.pa.gov/agencies/dmva/monthly-publication/together-we-serve---veterans-affairs.html

 

DMVA Applauds Shapiro Administration Announcement Making More Veterans Eligible for Free Birth and Death Certificates – January 31, 2025

https://www.pa.gov/agencies/dmva/monthly-publication/together-we-serve---veterans-affairs.html

 

DMVA Pleased to Share VA Announcement Regarding Increase in Veterans Disability Compensation Rates in 2025 – January 31, 2025

https://www.pa.gov/agencies/dmva/monthly-publication/together-we-serve---veterans-programs-and-services.html

 

New Year Sees Greater Opportunity Available for Disabled Veterans’ Real Estate Tax Exemption – January 31, 2025

https://www.pa.gov/agencies/dmva/monthly-publication/together-we-serve---veterans-programs-and-services.html

 

Veterans Homes – January 31, 2025

https://www.pa.gov/agencies/dmva/pennsylvania-veterans/forms-and-pubs/together-we-serve/together-we-serve---veteran-homes.html

 

New Weekly AA Meeting Starting at FTIG; Showcasing the PA National Guard Army Cyber Team and the Cyber Shield National Level Cyber Exercise; – January 31, 2025

https://www.pa.gov/agencies/dmva/monthly-publication/together-we-serve---director-of-joint-staff.html

 

PA National Guard Army – January 31, 2025

https://www.pa.gov/agencies/dmva/monthly-publication/together-we-serve---pa-national-guard-army.html

 

171st Retention Manager Earns Top Honor for Second Year – January 8, 2025

https://www.dvidshub.net/news/488847/171st-retention-manager-earns-top-honor-second-year

 

The Year of the Mission Ready Airman – January 8, 2025

https://www.dvidshub.net/news/488846/year-mission-ready-airman

 

Farm Show Military Appreciation Day 2025.  On Jan. 9, 2025, the Department of Agriculture and Department of Military and Veterans Affairs (DMVA) partnered on Service Members, Veterans and Their Families Day at the 109th Pennsylvania Farm Show. Veterans had the opportunity to visit the DMVA’s Outreach Van where they could learn from accredited veteran service officers about the benefits and services available to them.

https://www.flickr.com/photos/padmva/albums/72177720323085615/

 

GTKU - PIRO Part 1 - Programs & Challenges. Executive Director of Veteran Programs and Services, Keith Graham, breaks it down in this episode of ‘Get to Know Us’ – January 30, 2025

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HhTShopgtSI

 

GTKU - PIRO Part 2 – Initiatives – January 30, 2025

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TGTElew5mKU

 

GTKU - PIRO Part 3 - Reintegration & Outreach – January 30, 2025

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rDsL1Q8DH4U

 

Keystone State ChalleNGe Academy.  KSCA Welcomes Class 25-1. 

https://www.pa.gov/agencies/dmva/monthly-publication/together-we-serve---keystone-state-challenge-academy.html

 

The Pennsylvania Veterans Affairs and Emergency Preparedness Committee: Championing Support for Veterans and Emergency Responders; Important Updates on Veterans and Military Benefits: 2025 Compensation Rates and the Rudisill Decision – January 31, 2025

https://www.pa.gov/agencies/dmva/monthly-publication/together-we-serve---policy-and-legislation.html

 

Did you know that Fort Indiantown Gap is home to the only population of Eastern Regal Fritillary Butterfly in the United States? Free tours will be given on select dates in 2025 to view the butterfly area. Register Here

https://ftig.isportsman.net/ButterflyTours.aspx

 

Roush Review: 'Vietnam: The War That Changed America' – January 30, 2025

https://www.tvinsider.com/1173190/vietnam-the-war-that-changed-america-review/

 

VA Dismisses Directors of Centers for Women, Minority Veterans – January 30, 2025

https://www.military.com/daily-news/2025/01/30/va-dismisses-directors-of-centers-women-minority-veterans.html

 

Metro Atlanta veteran living in car helped after US Sens. secure $500K for homeless veterans – January 31, 2025

https://www.wsbtv.com/news/local/atlanta/metro-atlanta-veteran-living-car-helped-after-us-sens-secure-500k-homeless-veterans/DGOWQ6C33REWVP2NAURSJ3HXXE/

 

VA innovations make the future of Veteran care a reality.  Finding new avenues of care – January 31, 2025

https://news.va.gov/137462/va-innovations-make-future-veteran-care-reality/

 

Vietnam: The War That Changed America review – a stunningly powerful tale of regret | Documentary – January 31, 2025

https://www.theguardian.com/tv-and-radio/2025/jan/31/vietnam-the-war-that-changed-america-review-a-stunningly-powerful-tale-of-regret

 

Arizona Couple Pleads Guilty to $1.2B Health Care Fraud – January 31, 2025

https://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/arizona-couple-pleads-guilty-12b-health-care-fraud

 

How one Veteran won 65 Golden Age Game medals.  “The games keep me young.” – February 1, 2025

https://news.va.gov/138004/how-one-veteran-won-65-golden-age-game-medals/

 

Nurse saves a Veteran’s life.  Never overlooking a step – February 1, 2025

https://news.va.gov/137844/nurse-saves-a-veterans-life/

 

*************************************************************************************

From: James Ulinsky, February 1, 2025

February 2025 Veteran News

Hope you and your family/loved ones had a healthy and good start to the New Year!

There is valuable information you may miss, if you do not read (at least a good glance) the entire News! Once again-----lots of hopefully good info for you or someone you know! As always, I try to provide a fairly wide spectrum of articles, since readers are retired, disabled, school, different genders, races, political interests, etc.

The State Veterans’ Commission adjusted the presumptive need level for the Disabled Veterans’ Real Estate Tax Exemption upward to $114,637. Thank you, David Meehan,

I am trying to get my Veteran News to other parts of our state, e.g. Erie, Pittsburgh, and other locations. Please pass my news on to other veterans, veteran organizations, politicians, friends of veterans who may be interested in my information. They only need to email me and everyone is Bcc’d and can stop the newsletters by simply notifying me. There is strength in information and numbers! Thank you!

As you will continue to see, I am not interested in which party did what in my newsletters, but why there are issues and why we need to pay attention to politics. I am interested in results, and unlike our obligation to various veteran organizations, we need to take a stand when the fights are needed and politics be damned! Bi-partisan legislation is needed at the state and national level, and we must insist on it! I will “rip any politician” who stands in the way of us getting things done/protection for our veterans and their families!!

On Monday 1/27/24, I received a phone call from our National DAV Legislative Department about an email I sent to their office. I spoke about how the DAV National and other veteran organizations want us to get our information that can help us/veterans through our State Veteran Organization Leaders, but sadly, that does not happen often (in PA’s case, rarely)! I am not talking about CAN (Commanders Action Network---I think that is great from National)

I brought this up, because I believe (and members I have talked to agree), that we “peons” need to be able to bring up issues that can perhaps make our organizations better, by sharing information!

One of several suggestions I made was that they look at PA’s DAV organization and see how virtually no information comes from them. Suggested that other states probably have similar issues with communication.

FYI---I love many things veteran organizations do, but many things need “fixed”!

I stated that even though my VVA says “Never again will one generation of veterans abandon another” virtually all our organizations are leaving veterans behind based on what some of our leaders believe. Many believe in helping veterans as long as they conform to their expectations---SAD!

Our State Veterans War Council fits in there to a large degree. How much information is shared by them to our veterans?? Yes, some of our leaders are very good, but sadly, some are just there for other reasons.

All I ask is that you carefully evaluate what I say and make up your own mind. If you agree, fight with me, and a few others to try making things better!

IMPORTANT HELP NEEDED FOR OUR VETERANS WITH MST (MILITARY SEXUAL TRAUMA)

Please help me and our veterans suffering from Military Sexual Trauma by calling Senator Mastriano (717-787-4651) and Senator Pennycuick (717-787-3110). They are both veterans. Senator Pennycuick (who I think normally does a good job) feels she does not need to address this issue, because the military is handling it. WRONG!! See PP 11-13 about Army Doctor and the VA knowing about if for three years as of this mailing.

I also sent a message to Senator Pittman (717-787-8724)---"Senator Pittman---please use your power as Majority Leader to get the next legislation for MST Awareness passed and have a meeting to discuss MST awareness and how we can educate the public to understand the damage MST does to our brave women and men who enter the service to serve our country (only 6% of us are veterans).

MST (although not acknowledged under that name many years ago) still persists and often ruins lives! Homelessness and suicide are among the most dangerous of the potential impact, but it also affects the families, friends, workplace, etc. of those afflicted with this illness!

We could not even get a Resolution passed by you in the past! We need to eradicate either the wrong idea of what MST is about or the lack of any awareness by the public in order to do what we can to help those veterans.

This issue needs to stop being ignored by our Senate and addressed. If we want to make inroads and not have this continue for another ????? decades, we need action NOW!

Senator Mastriani has not responded to my 2 calls about this, despite him being a veteran and Congresswoman Pennycuick (also a veteran) continues to believe the military is handling this just fine (WOW!)

I am including your name (this email) and your telephone in my February Veteran News along with theirs!

Please get many of our senators off their backsides on this topic!”

We need them to stop killing legislation that would allow for an MST Week in PA annually (not a resolution---which they have also been killing) which needs to be re-introduced each year. We also need a panel to address how we can inform the public (educate them) on what MST is and how it can destroy lives.  We need a Combined House/Senate Committee to bring in experts and improve the quality of our affected veterans. Please make the phone calls!!

Efforts will die as they have for the past 4 years in our Senate, unless we let them know we are upset and angry with their inability to address this most serious issue!

I just read a portion of the “Joint State Government Commission” “Women Veterans Health Care in the Commonwealth Of Pennsylvania” A Report of the Task Force, dated December, (134 pages) 2024. While I understand the importance of the focus on Women Veterans Health Care and the fact females make up a very large percentage of MST victims (at least by those who report them), to have virtually no mention of male veterans in this section is misleading to those who do not pay attention to the devastation this has on both genders. 

  

Lawmakers again push to ease firing rules for misbehaving VA staff

By Leo Shane III

 Jan 17, 2025, 10:00 AM

Members of the American Federation of Government Employees protest outside the Department of Veterans Affairs headquarters in Washington, February 2018. (Leo Shane III/Staff)

 

House and Senate Republican leaders introduced legislation this week designed to make it easier to discipline and fire Veterans Affairs employees, reviving a priority of President Donald Trump’s first term in office just before his second term begins.

The Restore VA Accountability Act is sponsored by Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee Chairman Jerry Moran, R-Kansas, and House Veterans’ Affairs Committee Chairman Mike Bost, R-Ill., indicating it could be among the first major pieces of veterans policy approved this session of Congress.

In a statement, Moran said the legislation is needed to “help make certain that veterans receive the high-quality care and benefits they’ve earned and VA staff have the healthy workplace they deserve.”

Bost echoed that sentiment as well.

“Time and time again, we saw bad VA employees who don’t have veterans’ best interests at heart just reshuffled to another part of the agency,” he said in a statement. “That has a direct impact on not only veterans, but the mission of VA and the employees who are trying to do their jobs well.”

RELATED

 

The following accompanying article By Shane is from 2017-2018 (I’ve included this to provide context) as it was brought up by him to show the difficulty getting things done.

 

VA firings spiked after Trump signed the new accountability law last year

Firings rose almost 80 percent in the second half of 2017. But critics warn more dismissals don’t necessarily mean better results for veterans.

By Leo Shane III

The issue of accountability was a major focus early in Trump’s previous term, with Congress approving legislation in 2017 giving senior department leaders special authority to demote or fire employees based on misconduct or poor performance.

 

Trump touted the measure in his 2018 State of the Union address, claiming more than 1,500 firings at the agency in the first few months of the bill. However, VA officials said almost half of that total was made up of probationary employees with typically high turnover rates, and did not clarify whether the rest would have been dismissed under the old rules.

 

In the years that followed, many provisions of the 2017 accountability laws were successfully challenged in court, and eventually abandoned by department leaders. Current VA officials have repeatedly insisted that they have the tools needed to properly deal with problematic workers.

 

But conservative lawmakers have disagreed, and have pushed for ways to diminish union protections and provide faster responses to reports of staffing problems, especially criminal charges leveled against department workers.

 

The new bill would get rid of federal requirements for a performance improvement plan prior to any employee disciplinary action and “unlock expedited removal, demotion, or suspension authority for use with all categories of VA employees,” according to a summary provided by the committees.

 

It would also update the appeals process in an effort to ensure that decisions “supported by substantial evidence” are upheld. That has been a major point of contention in the past, with courts frequently rejecting VA leaders’ reasoning for firings.

 

“The intent of [this bill] is to hold that 1% of bad VA employees accountable,” Bost said.

 

The measure has received initial backing from a number of veterans organizations, including the Veterans of Foreign Wars, American Legion and National Guard Association of the United States.

Whether Democrats will also lend support to the effort is unclear. The 2017 bill did receive some bipartisan support, but party leaders have accused Republicans of using the accountability issue as a way to weaken union protections among federal workers.

 

No timeline has been set for hearings or votes on the new measure.

 

H.R. 210 below is from the DAV and DAV Auxiliary:

Please add your support for H.R. 210, the Dental Care for Veterans Act. This bill would require the Secretary of the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to furnish dental care in the same manner as any other medical service, and defines a 4-year implementation plan beginning with veterans in Priority Groups 1 and 2.   Currently, the VA only provides full dental care services to a limited number of veterans enrolled in its health care system, which includes those who have a service-connected dental disability, are 100% service disabled and those receiving Total Disability for Individual Unemployability (TDIU). In total, only about 500,000 of the 9 million veteran enrollees in the VA health care system have eligibility for dental care.   Studies show that poor dental hygiene can lead to a number of chronic health conditions, including infections from decaying and dying teeth, which can be life-threatening if not treated. Dental care has been proven to be an important part of overall health care. VA is considered a comprehensive health care system for veterans and the lack of basic dental care is a major gap in the whole health model VA care subscribes to.   This legislation is consistent with DAV Resolution No. 41, which calls for the provision of comprehensive dental care to all service-disabled veterans within the VA health care system. Therefore, DAV strongly supports this bill.   Please use the prepared email or your own letter and urge your Representative to co-sponsor H.R. 210, the Dental Care for Veterans Act.   Thank you for your support of the DAV’s legislative priorities.

 

Take Action!

 

If you think we can’t lose benefits, you are 100% wrong. Every year the DOB (Dept. Of Budget) in Washington releases recommendations for areas that could be reduced or eliminated, including benefits affecting us (retired, disabled, student/college veterans, our families (CHAMPVA or TRICARE), etc. Several years ago---it was the “10 Year Rule” and luckily, about a quarter million of us called Washington!

Sadly, (my guesstimate based on talking/listening/following veteran issues) is that the vast majority could care less unless it directly affects them and don’t email, make phone calls, or even follow veteran news legislation. We have organizations and some veterans who actually fight to improve/preserve our benefits and they need us to be involved. If you are not already involved in paying attention to the veteran news issues, taking action, sharing news, making phone calls/sending emails please do so.

Yes, I pay attention to “RUMORS”, which apparently some veterans do not like. BUT---failure to listen/pay attention to news outlets (what happens in Washington and in our own state with politicians can dearly cost us. I am not an alarmist, but I do know that many in the VA bureaucracy, the “bean counters” in Washington and Pennsylvania, some senators, some members of the House, some other factions would love to see us cut---despite the fact we make up only 6% of the population who actually served our country. This is after all elections---not a Party comment!

Stay awake, fight for what we have inherited from previous generations of veterans who fought for us and fight for future veterans after we have served our final time!

A few weeks ago, I received a letter from VA Coatesville regarding my “Beneficiary Travel Payment” The letter stated they would only be issuing a “Partial Payment, because there was a closer facility for treatment.” I could file a “Supplemental Claim, a Higher-Level Review, or Appeal to the Board of Veterans’ Appeals by filing forms.

Needless to say, that did not rest well with me, as I always feel---if it happens to me, it very well may be happening to others. I was able to get this corrected the next day with a scathing email and the help of a Patient Advocate and Kirk Fernitz.

My argument was, the VA schedules our appointments and we go where they send us, unless offered a choice to other VA’s or outside providers. We do not normally make that decision and therefore this is the VA’s responsibility to “make us whole”.

After sending my response to several veteran friends in other areas, I soon found out this was happening in other VA’s as well. I have sent a message to Congresswoman Houlahan and followed up with a phone call to her D.C. office and the person answering the phone (knew who I was and had my record available to her—“red flagged” it for Congresswoman Houlahan.

I will follow up with all of you and will be posting this on LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter, calling the VA Hotline, and contacting the media if needed!

40% rise in mental health diagnoses among troops, report finds

By Riley Ceder

Friday, Jan 3, 2025

Diagnoses of PTSD and anxiety disorders nearly doubled between 2019 and 2023, according to a Defense Health Agency report. Here, mental health tech holds a unit patch at Tinker Air Force Base. (Gina Anderson/U.S. Air Force)

Editor’s note: This report contains discussion of suicide. Troops, veterans and family members experiencing suicidal thoughts can call the 24-hour Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988 and dial 1, text 838255 or visit VeteransCrisisLine.net.

Diagnoses of mental health disorders among active-duty service members increased by nearly 40% over the last five years, according to a new Defense Health Agency report.

The report, which was released as part of the agency’s Armed Forces Health Surveillance Division’s December Medical Surveillance Monthly Report, examined mental health diagnoses among active-duty troops between 2019 and 2023, finding that anxiety disorders and post-traumatic stress disorder, or PTSD, accounted for the largest increase in diagnoses.

 

Specifically, diagnoses of these disorders nearly doubled during the five-year period, according to the report. The report did not pinpoint a single cause for the rise but cited the COVID-19 pandemic, which coincided with the five-year period, as a potential factor in the uptick.

 

In 2023, active-duty service members experiencing a mental health disorder populated more hospital beds than any other affliction, accounting for 54.8% of all hospital bed days.

The medical data was retrieved from medical records accessed through the Defense Medical Surveillance System and Theater Medical Data Store.

 

From 2019 through 2023, 541,672 active-duty service members — from the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, Coast Guard and Space Force — were diagnosed with at least one mental health disorder, according to the report. Approximately 47% of those individuals — about 255,000 — were diagnosed with more than one mental health disorder.

In total, 966,227 individual diagnoses were made.

 

RELATED

Military suicides rose in 2023, continuing a troubling trend

Officials said that the suicide rate among troops has increased steadily over the last decade.

By Leo Shane III

Mental health disorder diagnoses were most often found in female service members, individuals from a younger age demographic and the Army.

The Navy, however, led all other services in diagnoses of depressive disorders, bipolar disorders and personality disorders.

 

Active-duty female service members were also diagnosed with PTSD at twice the rate of male service members, and incidents of diagnoses increased with age. The report noted these findings likely reflected changing demographics of the military, as more women serve, and may relate to “sex-specific differences” in mental health factors that can predispose service members to higher PTSD rates.

 

“Efforts to assist and treat service members should continue to promote help-seeking behavior to improve their psychological and emotional well-being and reduce the burden of mental health disorders, especially as rates have been increasing since the COVID-19 pandemic,” the report said.

 

The report utilized ambulance encounters, hospitalization or outpatient visits to a psychiatric facility, among other factors, to define a mental health diagnosis.

 

Mental health disorders defined by the Defense Department include acute stress disorders, bipolar disorders, depressive disorders, anxiety disorders, PTSD and schizophrenia, among others.

The Defense Department has struggled to address the mental health of service members, including veterans, whose suicide rate remained at 17.6% from 2021 to 2022, according to federal census data.

 

Veterans are almost twice as likely to die by suicide as civilians, Military Times previously reported. In 2023, the rate of military suicides rose by 6%.

About Riley Ceder

Riley Ceder is a reporter at Military Times, where he covers breaking news, criminal justice, investigations, and cyber. He previously worked as an investigative practicum student at The Washington Post, where he contributed to the Abused by the Badge investigation.

Advocates reach deal with DOD on ‘don’t ask, don’t tell’ dismissals

By Leo Shane III

 Jan 6, 2025, 03:05 PM

LGBTQ+ advocates reached a deal with Pentagon officials this week to improve the process for upgrading military records of veterans previously kicked out of the ranks under "don't ask, don't tell." (Airman 1st Class Monica Roybal/Air Force)

 

LGBTQ+ advocates on Monday reached an agreement with Defense Department officials for an overhaul of discharge upgrade policies designed to help veterans previously booted from the military under the controversial “don’t ask, don’t tell” policy.

 

The move ends a 17-month legal battle and could impact more than 30,000 veterans. In a statement, the group Justice for LGBTQ+ Veterans said the settlement would address continued discrimination against those individuals by giving them a reasonable path to applying for honorable discharge status.

 

“As a Marine, I was proud to stand alongside my fellow service members, embracing the core values of honor, courage, and commitment,” said Jules Sohn, one of the plaintiffs in the case. “However, the pain and injustice of being discharged under discriminatory policies like ‘don’t ask, don’t tell’ have lingered for years.

“This settlement represents not just a recognition of those wrongs but a step toward ensuring that no service member ever faces such prejudice again.”

 

 

RELATED

Pentagon changes discharges for 800-plus vets kicked out for being gay

The move comes after a yearlong review of cases of troops forced to leave the services because of their sexual orientation.

By Leo Shane III

 

The agreement still must be approved by court officials before it can be finalized. However, under the terms of the deal, veterans would have the opportunity as early as this summer to request upgrades to honorable discharge status under a new military appeal process.

 

The military’s “don’t ask, don’t tell” policy was put in place in 1993 as a compromise to allow some level of military service for gay, lesbian and bisexual individuals. But advocates said the policy was enforced erratically and discriminatorily, and forced those troops to keep secrets about their personal lives from friends and commanders, to the detriment of unit cohesiveness.

 

Many discharged individuals had their veteran’s status left to the arbitrary whims of commanders. Those with honorable discharges could access veterans’ education and medical benefits. Individuals with other-than-honorable discharges were left without post-military help.

 

Nearly 13,500 service members were forced out of the military under the policy, according to Defense Department records. The policy was repealed in 2011, allowing gay, lesbian and bisexual individuals to serve openly in the ranks for the first time.

 

In October, Pentagon leaders announced that about 800 veterans previously kicked out of the military for their sexual orientation would have their dismissals automatically upgraded to honorable discharges, following a year-long review of their service records.

 

VA has also promised changes in how they handle benefits for those individuals. But the new agreement would go further, providing a clearer and easier path to get military records changed.

One adjustment would remove “discriminatory sexual orientation indicators” from DD-214 forms without having to go through a formal Board of Corrections process. Another would require the Defense Department to review all less-than-honorable discharges under “don’t ask, don’t tell” for potential upgrades, without a new appeal application.

 

Advocates said the moves “will simplify and expedite the process, offering veterans a clear pathway” to upgraded records. They could also help nearly 20,000 other military members dismissed from 1980 to 1993 for same-sex relations before the implementation of “don’t ask, don’t tell.”

 

Military leaders have said that less than half of the 30,000-plus service members dismissed for their sexual orientation from 1980 to 2011 received honorable discharge status.

 

Pentagon officials last year had moved for the lawsuit to be dismissed, but are expected to file a motion in coming days pushing for the settlement to end the legal fight. More details of the new process are expected to be released in coming months.

 

VA to waive co-pays for Whole Health medical services

By Leo Shane III

 Jan 6, 2025, 01:09 PM

Veterans Affairs leaders have proposed waiving co-pays for veterans seeking Whole Health services. (Jim Salter/AP)

Veterans Affairs officials plan to waive co-pays for certain “well-being” health care appointments in an effort to encourage more veterans to look into services like yoga, meditation and wellness counseling.

 

The move could potentially save patients several hundred dollars a year in medical fees, but is less focused on financial relief than emphasizing “the overall well-being of the veteran,” according to a department release.

 

In a statement, VA Under Secretary for Health Dr. Shereef Elnahal said the move continues administration efforts to bring more veterans into the department’s medical care system and ensure they get the help they need.

 

“Copayment exemptions for Whole Health services is a step forward in creating greater access to preventative care for Veterans,” he said. “VA is the best and most affordable care in America for veterans, and this proposed ruling is another step forward to ensuring that cost never prevents a veteran from getting the care they deserve.”

 

RELATED

VA plans to drop co-pays for all telehealth services

The move is part of broader department efforts to expand telehealth options for patients.

By Leo Shane III

The department defines Whole Health services as medical care independent of a specific diagnosis or illness. Instead, appointments focus on the general wellness of the patient, including stress management techniques, skill-building programs and quality-of-life boosters like yoga.

 

In the department’s official website for the programs, administrators said they work with veterans to “develop a personalized health plan based on your values, needs, and goals.”

Whole Health services are available through 161 medical sites across all 50 states, the Philippines, Puerto Rico and Washington.

 

The co-pay relief is only a proposal for now. VA officials will have to go through a months-long rulemaking process before the fees can be waived.

 

In recent months, department leaders have also proposed waiving co-pays for telehealth medical visits and outpatient mental health care appointments. Officials have not said when any of those proposals will be finalized, or if the change in presidential administrations could disrupt that process.

 

Understanding Diabetic Nerve Damage

Manage your blood sugar to prevent diabetic neuropathy

About half of all people with diabetes have some form of nerve damage. That damage is called neuropathy and can be painful or result in loss of protection sensation. Diabetic neuropathy is a serious and common problem of diabetes. It usually develops slowly, sometimes throughout several decades. It most often damages nerves in your feet.

Depending on the affected nerves, symptoms of diabetic neuropathy can range from pain and numbness in your legs and feet to problems with your digestive system, urinary tract, blood vessels, and heart. Some people have mild symptoms. But for others, diabetic neuropathy can be discomforting or painful and, in some cases, disabling. It's a common and potentially serious complication of diabetes. You can often prevent diabetic neuropathy or slow its progress with tight blood sugar control and a healthy lifestyle.

 

Different kinds of neuropathy

There are different types of diabetic neuropathy that affect different areas of your body, causing a variety of symptoms. The most common type, peripheral neuropathy, causes pain or loss of feeling in the toes, feet, legs, hands, and arms. Another type, autonomic neuropathy, can cause changes in your digestion, bowel and bladder function, sexual response, and perspiration. It can also affect nerves in the lungs, eyes, and heart. If you have diabetes, contact your doctor if you have any symptoms of neuropathy. Also, you should have your feet evaluated to determine if you have loss of protective sensation; this can result in

your inability to feel some objects in your shoe and thus increases your risk of foot infections or ulcers.

Spot the symptoms

Tingling, numbness, and pain are all common symptoms of diabetic neuropathy and often do not begin until many years after diabetes has been diagnosed. Other signs of diabetic nerve damage include:

• muscles weakness
• indigestion, nausea, or vomiting
• diarrhea or constipation
• dizziness or fainting due to a drop in blood pressure after standing or sitting up
• problems with urination and sexual function

If nerve damage causes you to lose feeling in your feet and legs, you may not notice when you step on something sharp or bump your toes against an object. You may not realize when you touch something too hot or too cold, leading to further injury.

Monitor your blood sugar

Protect yourself and prevent diabetic neuropathy by tracking your blood sugar levels. Keeping a record of your levels and sharing it with your health care team can help to understand your body's response to your diabetes care plan. Use Secure Messaging to stay in touch with your health care team.

Learn more about Secure Messaging

Sign in to manage your health care

If you have not already done so----After January 2025, you'll need to use a Login.gov or ID.me account to sign in to My HealtheVet and other VA tools.

Sign in or create an account

You must be a VA patient to access some parts of your VA health record. If you’re not enrolled in VA health care, you can apply now.

Learn how to apply for VA health care

Army doctor pleads guilty to sexually abusing dozens of soldiers

By Todd South

 Jan 8, 2025, 02:00 PM

The outside of Madigan Army Medical Center, Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Washington, 2024. (Christopher Nititham and Hannah Covington/U.S. Army)

 

An Army anesthesiologist pleaded guilty Tuesday to 41 charges of sexual misconduct involving dozens of patients at a Washington military medical facility in one of the largest sexual abuse investigations in the service’s history.

 

Maj. Michael Stockin faces a potential sentence of nearly 14 years in prison after pleading guilty to abusive sexual contact and indecent viewing of patients he treated at Madigan Army Medical Center at Joint Base Lewis-McChord between 2019 and 2022.

 

A military judge will hear victims testify this week and determine whether to accept the plea agreement Stockin and his attorneys made with government prosecutors.

 

RELATED

Army doctor faces charges he sexually assaulted 41 patients

An Army doctor faces arraignment over charges that he sexually assaulted 42 male patients he treated while working as an anesthesiologist.

By Todd South

 

Stockin admitted to 36 counts of abusive sexual contact and five counts of indecent viewing, said Michelle McCaskill, spokeswoman for the U.S. Army Office of Special Trial Counsel.

Stockin’s court-martial trial, which began Tuesday, is expected to last until Jan. 17, according to McCaskill.

 

Stockin pleaded guilty as part of a plea deal with the government before this week’s trial.

“I can confirm the prosecution team has been in regular contact with each victim and frequently hosts town hall meetings with the victims and their legal representatives where all facets of the case are discussed, to include the terms of the agreement,” McCaskill said. “All victims and their legal representatives were given the opportunity to provide input on the terms of the agreement.”

 

Many patients who later reported abuse allegations against Stockin were male soldiers seeking medical treatment for a variety of injuries requiring pain management.

 

The victims allege that during what Stockin claimed were routine exams, he would grope them, focusing unnecessarily on their genital area, even when it was unrelated to the injury or pain for which they sought treatment, according to a separate, federal civil lawsuit filed by alleged victims against the Army.

 

That lawsuit includes 21 victims each seeking $5 million in damages from the government.

 

Christine Dunn, an attorney representing the victims in the civil suit, said in a release Tuesday that Stockin was not the only party responsible for the alleged abuse.

“The story doesn’t end here,” Dunn said. “The Army played a substantial role in allowing the rampant sexual abuse to occur in the first place. The time has come for the Army to be held accountable for its negligence.”

 

Army investigators first received reported allegations of Stockin’s alleged sexual misconduct in February 2022, Army Times previously reported.

 

Stockin was immediately suspended from seeing patients when officials received the reports, Lt. Col. Jennifer Bocanegra, a JBLM spokeswoman, previously told Army Times.

 

Following his suspension, Stockin continued working administrative duties in a “non-clinical area” of the medical center, Bocanegra said. He did not live on JBLM, according to officials.

 

Prosecutors previously referred 52 charges and specifications against Stockin, including 47 counts of abusive sexual contact and five for indecent viewing for a total of 41 victims.

 

The investigation spanned more than a year until charges were brought against Stockin in August 2023. Initial reports involved 23 alleged victims, but that number rose to 41 after prosecutors filed updated charges against Stockin in February 2024.

 

VA eases benefits rules for cancers from Post-9/11 service, K2 tours

By Leo Shane III

Jan 8, 2025, 12:09 PM

 

U.S. Airmen prepare for a mission at Karshi-Khanabad Air Base in Uzbekistan on April 19, 2005. (Master Sgt. Scott Sturkol/Army)

 

Veterans who served in the first Gulf War or Post-9/11 conflicts suffering from leukemia, bladder cancer and other related illnesses will be granted presumptive benefits status under plans announced by Veterans Affairs leaders Wednesday.

 

That includes troops formerly stationed at Karshi-Khanabad Air Base in Uzbekistan, a group that has long lobbied for better recognition of the damaging long-term health effects connected to that site.

The decision is the latest in a series of moves by department officials to ease the burden associated with applying for veterans disability benefits for former troops exposed to toxic chemicals during their time in service.

 

“Adding these presumptives lowers the burden of proof for veterans to get the benefits they deserve for the conditions that followed them home from war,” VA Secretary Denis McDonough said in a statement. “We encourage veterans with these conditions — and all veterans — to apply today for the benefits they deserve.”

 

RELATED

VA to expand benefits access for US vets of K2 Uzbekistan base

Roughly three-quarters of the 16,000 known U.S. veterans who served at K2 in Uzbekistan are already receiving some disability benefits, the VA said.

By Jonathan Lehrfeld

 

Typically, veterans applying for disability benefits must prove that their injuries were directly connected to time in the military. That can be difficult for indirect injuries caused by exposure to toxic chemicals at military bases from hazards like burn pits or groundwater contamination.

 

Presumptive status allows veterans applying for benefits to skip paperwork establishing their condition as a result of military service. That can cut months of wait times off the benefits process, as well as reduce the frustration of families waiting for answers.

 

Additionally, when veterans are established as having a service-connected health condition — either through the claims process or by the presumptive process — they become eligible for free VA health care for that condition.

 

The new announcement covers acute and chronic leukemias, multiple myelomas, myelodysplastic syndromes, myelofibrosis, urinary bladder, ureter and related genitourinary cancers.

Veterans who served in the Middle East during the first Gulf War or in Afghanistan, Iraq, Djibouti, Egypt, Jordan, Lebanon, Syria, Yemen or Uzbekistan after Sept, 11, 2001, will be granted presumptive disability status for those conditions, starting next week.

 

That includes the so-called K2 veterans. The Uzbekistan base was used by U.S. troops as a point into and out of Afghanistan during the early 2000s. Individuals who served there were exposed to numerous contaminants, including jet fuel in groundwater and lead-based paint.

 

About 13,000 of the 16,000 troops known to have served there are already enrolled in VA health care. At least 11,800 have already been rated as disabled for at least one service-related condition, with many topping more than a dozen related health issues.

 

The decision on the new presumptives is connected to the 2022 PACT Act, which dramatically expanded benefits for troops with toxic exposure injuries.

Since it was signed into law, nearly 900,000 veterans have enrolled in department health care, an increase of about 40% from the comparable period before the bill was adopted.

 

More information on how to apply for benefits is available on the VA website.

 

The Service Women’s Action Network (SWAN) is the voice of women who have served or are currently serving in the military. We are a member-driven network dedicated to advocating, connecting, and supporting for the individual and collective needs of service women; past, present, and future. SWAN is creating a series allowing YOU, our members, to nominate a veteran or yourself to get a shout-out via our social media or to share your full story. Let's celebrate our veterans and all the accomplishments and sacrifices they have made while serving.  We welcome all submissions!

 

NOMINATE A VETERAN TODAY!

 

 

Support SWAN

 

As a nonprofit organization, Service Women's Action Network (SWAN) depends on the generosity of donors to amplify the voices of military women. Help us support and advocate for service women past, present and future.

 

DONATE TODAY!

More Veterans are Eligible for Free Birth and Death Certificates

New this year, more veterans and their families are eligible for free birth and death certificates from the Pennsylvania Department of Health because of legislation passed by Senate Republicans.

All veterans who were discharged or released from services under conditions other than dishonorable can receive a veteran fee waiver. Previously, they were only available for military members who were in active service or who were honorably discharged.

Normally, there is a non-refundable $20 fee per copy, but with this law, up to 10 free copies will be available. The fee waiver may be applied to applications for the veteran, spouse and dependent children. To be eligible for the waiver, applications for birth and death certificates must be submitted with documentation proving military status.

From the DAV---IMPORTANT!! For more than 100 years, DAV has fought for the rights of veterans of all generations. From the local level all the way to Capitol Hill — we’re proud to be leading the charge for veterans like you.

As we look forward to the year ahead, we want to hear from you. Please rate these seven priority issues according to what’s most important to you.

Thank you so much for being a member of DAV — and helping us take on the biggest challenges veterans face today.

Tricare lets patients bypass TriWest problems slowing specialty care

By Karen Jowers

 Jan 27, 2025, 05:18 PM

Tricare has temporarily changed the approval process for referrals to specialists in its West region. (Defense Health Agency)

 

Amid continuing problems with the transition to a new West Region contractor, Tricare officials have temporarily suspended a rule requiring policyholders to get their referrals to specialists approved — essentially allowing Tricare West Prime beneficiaries to bypass that contractor, TriWest, in order to get specialty care.

 

The waiver process allows beneficiaries to take their referral from a primary care manager directly to their specialist without waiting for approval from TriWest. It’s in place through March 31 and is retroactive to Jan. 1, the start of the new contract and transition to TriWest Healthcare Alliance in the West region. Beneficiaries and medical providers alike have experienced a number of problems during the transition prompting lawmakers to seek answers.

 

“TriWest’s referrals portal has experienced issues that have affected the processing of new referrals,” said Jacob Sanchez, referral management subject matter expert for the Tricare Health Plan at Defense Health Agency, in the announcement of the waiver. “If you have Tricare Prime and are in the West region, this waiver will allow you to access specialty services without interruption to your care.”

 

Beneficiaries must still get referrals from their primary care manager. In addition, TriWest will accept all referrals and authorizations approved by the previous contractor — Health Net Federal Services or Humana Military — that are dated before Jan. 1. TriWest will accept those until the referral expires or until June 30, whichever comes first.

 

RELATED

 

Tricare West Region beneficiaries get second payment update extension

The deadline is extended, again, for those who live in the new West Region to provide their payment information to TriWest.

By Karen Jowers

 

Meanwhile, some beneficiaries have told Military Times their specialists can’t get access to their approvals in the TriWest system. Information was not immediately available about what action beneficiaries should take if their referrals dated before Jan. 1 were lost in the system. Some are being told to go back to that primary care manager for another referral.

 

“This specialty care referral waiver is really just a partial fix. It fixes things for those with a primary care manager” who can get an appointment with that PCM, said Karen Ruedisueli, director of government relations for health affairs for the nonprofit Military Officers Association of America. “But if you’re someone in the West region who lost your primary care manager as a result of this transition and you’ve been assigned somebody new and can’t get a new patient appointment for the next seven weeks ... it doesn’t really help you if you don’t have access to a PCM.”

 

This waiver allows people to see non-network providers, Ruedisueli said. It also allows TriWest more time to build up their network of medical providers, and it gives beneficiaries until April to find another provider if needed.

 

RELATED

Lawmaker: Tricare West problems ‘actively harming military readiness’

A Washington lawmaker wants answers from the Defense Health Agency about what it's doing to address problems plaguing the TriWest transition.

By Karen Jowers

 

With the new contract, six states were moved to West region coverage from the East region, bringing the total to 26 states. Here’s what Tricare beneficiaries in the West need to know about the temporary suspension of the requirement for TriWest to approve referrals, according to officials:

• They can continue to see their primary care manager to get referrals for specialty care, even if their PCM is not currently in TriWest’s network.
• They don’t have to wait for TriWest to process the approval to seek specialty care, and they should ask the PCM for a copy of the referral.
• They should ask the PCM to recommend a local Tricare-authorized specialist. They can also see a specialist they’ve gone to before, if that specialist is Tricare-authorized. “Tricare-authorized” means the provider is licensed by a state, accredited by a national organization or meets other standards of the medical community, and is certified to provide benefits under Tricare.
• The specialist doesn’t have to be in the Tricare network, but beneficiaries should ask the specialist if they’re Tricare-authorized before getting care.
• If the Tricare provider is no longer a Tricare network provider in the West region (or hasn’t been approved by TriWest), beneficiaries can still keep seeing them and pay Tricare Prime copayments. However, the provider must be Tricare-authorized.
• Beginning April 1, for future services, if the provider is still a non-network provider and isn’t named on the pre-authorization, the beneficiary will have to pay point-of-service fees. Also beginning April 1, beneficiaries will need a referral from their primary care manager that is approved by TriWest before seeing a specialist.
•  

There are some exclusions to the waiver, such as Applied Behavior Analysis and Autism Care Demonstration, as well as Extended Care Health Option services, which affects those who depend on home health services for medically fragile children.

 

“It’s interesting that they purposely excluded a very disabled portion of the military community,” said Dr. Kristi Cabiao, CEO and president of Mission Alpha Advocacy, an organization that works to improve quality of life for military families within the Exceptional Family Member Program.

 

The waiver also excludes inpatient care and laboratory developed tests.

 

The broad issues surrounding the recent Tricare contract changes include problems with payments, authorizations and referrals and errors in provider and beneficiary information, Cabiao said.

 

Families have reached out to Military Times about a plethora of issues with TriWest, which are exacerbated by ongoing problems with reaching the contractor through their web portal or call center.

 

About Karen Jowers

Karen has covered military families, quality of life and consumer issues for Military Times for more than 30 years, and is co-author of a chapter on media coverage of military families in the book "A Battle Plan for Supporting Military Families." She previously worked for newspapers in Guam, Norfolk, Jacksonville, Fla., and Athens, Ga.

Leaders Failed to Ensure a Dermatologist Provided Quality Care at the Carl T. Hayden VA Medical Center in Phoenix, Arizona

Report Information

Issue Date

January 23, 2025

Report Number

24-00194-42

VISN

22

State

Arizona

District

VA Office

Veterans Health Administration (VHA)

Report Author

Office of Healthcare Inspections

Report Type

Hotline Healthcare Inspection

Report Topic

Care Coordination

Medical Staff Privileging Credentialing

Patient Safety

Major Management Challenges

Healthcare Services

Leadership and Governance

Recommendations

8

Questioned Costs

$0

Better Use of Funds

$0

Congressionally Mandated

No

File

Download Report

Summary

The VA Office of Inspector General (OIG) conducted a healthcare inspection to assess facility leaders’ responses to a dermatologist’s deficiencies in quality of care and documentation. The OIG found supervisory staff and senior leaders failed to adequately address patient care concerns outlined by staff in 48 patient safety reports and two consecutive unsatisfactory proficiency reports. Specifically, supervisory staff failed to correct the dermatologist’s delays in performing biopsies and misuse of copy and paste in electronic health records, and did not comprehensively review whether the dermatologist documented procedures not performed. 

The Chief of Staff (COS) reported being unaware of the extent of the dermatologist’s deficiencies, despite attending meetings where the information was shared. The Facility Director did not ensure timely initiation of the State Licensing Board (SLB) reporting process after facility leaders had evidence to support the dermatologist’s failure to meet standards of clinical practice and the Medical Executive Board’s recommendation to not renew clinical privileges.

The COS told the OIG that reviews of the dermatologist’s care were completed, and disclosures were not warranted because no patient harm was identified. However, the OIG found that the reviews were neither comprehensive nor conducted by a dermatologist. Additionally, after the OIG site visit, the chief of dermatology reviewed electronic health records and identified that two patients should have received alternative treatments, one patient did not have all identified lesions addressed, and four patients experienced biopsy delays. Therefore, the OIG concluded that further reviews of the care provided by the dermatologist and reconsiderations for disclosures are warranted. 

The OIG made eight recommendations related to delays in the SLB reporting process, and leaders not adequately addressing clinical deficiencies, misuse of copy and paste, documentation of procedures, and the need for follow-up care and disclosure.
 

H.R. 149, the Lead by Example Act of 2025

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Veterans Health Administration operates the nation’s largest integrated health care system, offering comprehensive high-quality health care services to meet the needs of our nation’s wounded, ill and injured veterans. The VA has done this by bringing together system-wide clinical expertise regarding service-connected conditions and disorders, utilizing a team approach to primary care that is veteran-centric and has a holistic view of veterans’ needs to include, physical, psychosocial and economic determinants of health, and providing critical support services for veterans, family members and caregivers.

H.R. 149, the Lead by Example Act of 2025, would require that members of Congress and congressional staff receive health care from the VA, rather than through plans currently available to them as federal employees. Requiring the leadership and lawmakers of our nation to receive health care from the VA will help members of Congress to appropriately assess the resource needs of the department to deliver timely, high quality health care to our nation’s veterans.

Consistent with DAV Resolution No. 40, DAV strongly supports H.R. 149.

We call on all DAV members and supporters to contact their representatives and urge them to co-sponsor and support H.R. 149. Thank you for all you do for America’s veterans and their families.

Thank you to all of you who either share information, provide feedback, make the phone calls/emails, or share this information!

Have a great/healthy February and please share or give my email to grow our numbers! Feedback is also appreciated!

Jim

*************************************************************************************

VA’s top clinical priority is preventing suicide among all Veterans

https://www.mentalhealth.va.gov/suicide_prevention/index.asp

 

How Veteran homelessness is dropping amid a record surge.  Ending Veteran Homelessness podcast analyzes final PIT Count results – February 2, 2025

https://news.va.gov/137946/how-veteran-homelessness-dropping-amid-a-surge/

 

AMD: Low vision awareness for Veterans.  Age-related macular degeneration – February 3, 2025

https://news.va.gov/138009/amd-low-vision-awareness-for-veterans/

 

Hiring Veterans: Jobs of the week for Feb. 3, 2025

https://news.va.gov/138112/hiring-veterans-jobs-week-feb-3-2025/

 

Live Whole Health #259: Desk-friendly yoga for back relief – February 3, 2025

https://news.va.gov/138081/live-whole-health-259-desk-friendly-yoga-for-back-relief/

 

VA will end remote work status for thousands of staffers this month – February 3, 2025

https://www.yahoo.com/news/va-end-remote-status-thousands-192714502.html

 

Former Contractor Convicted Of Sexual Assault Of Co-Worker At Palo Alto VA Hospital – February 3, 2025

https://www.justice.gov/usao-ndca/pr/former-contractor-convicted-sexual-assault-co-worker-palo-alto-va-hospital

 

VA will end remote work status for thousands of staffers this month – February 3, 2025

https://www.militarytimes.com/veterans/2025/02/03/va-will-end-remote-work-status-for-thousands-of-staffers-this-month/

 

VFW 2025 Priority Goals

https://vfw-org-hqagarhxahbybyd9.z01.azurefd.net/-/media/VFWSite/Files/Advocacy/PriorityGoalsBrochure.pdf

 

Manvel resident admits to series of frauds totaling $2 million – February 4, 2025

https://www.justice.gov/usao-sdtx/pr/manvel-resident-admits-series-frauds-totaling-2-million

 

Taryn joins the staff at Birmingham VA.  Trained and certified facility dog – February 4, 2025

https://news.va.gov/138045/taryn-joins-the-staff-at-birmingham-va/

 

From job fairs to career coaching: Empowering Veterans in civilian careers – February 4, 2025

https://news.va.gov/138098/from-fairs-coaching-empowering-civilian-careers/

 

Urgent Updates on Trump's Anti-Veteran Blitz – February 4, 2025

https://mailchi.mp/21f60034091f/vhpi-newsletter-12892584?e=a90e4e82c0

 

STOP PROJECT 2025 - Project 2025 is an attack on veterans

https://veteranspolicy.org/project2025/

 

Deadline Extended! VA Gives Veterans More Time to Secure Their Online Benefits – February 4, 2025

https://www.mychesco.com/a/news/national/deadline-extended-va-gives-veterans-more-time-to-secure-their-online-benefits/

 

Senate confirms new VA secretary as Dems demand he protect employees from hiring freeze and firings – February 4, 2025

https://www.govexec.com/management/2025/02/senate-confirms-new-va-secretary-dems-demand-he-protect-employees-hiring-freeze-and-firings/402752/

 

Discover how VA empowers physicians with meaningful careers.  Practice purpose-driven medicine – February 4, 2025

https://news.va.gov/137641/discover-how-va-empowers-physicians/

 

Deficiencies in Invasive Procedure Complexity Infrastructure, Surgical Resident Supervision, Information Security, and Leaders’ Response at the Lieutenant Colonel Charles S. Kettles VA Medical Center in Ann Arbor, Michigan – February 4, 2025

https://www.vaoig.gov/reports/hotline-healthcare-inspection/deficiencies-invasive-procedure-complexity-infrastructure

 

Elon Musk’s DOGE May Be Meddling At VA Now, Democratic Senator Warns – February 4, 2025

https://www.huffpost.com/entry/elon-musk-doge-veterans-affairs-patty-murray_n_67a29d0de4b032cbd10ec92f

 

Collins becomes first post-9/11 vet to be confirmed as VA secretary – February 4, 2025

https://www.militarytimes.com/veterans/2025/02/04/collins-becomes-first-post-911-vet-to-be-confirmed-as-va-secretary/

 

Tele-dentistry: Streamlined access.  Dental specialists assess the images remotely – February 5, 2025

https://news.va.gov/138064/tele-dentistry-streamlined-access/

 

Access personalized career planning and guidance.  Veterans can receive resume writing assistance, interview skills training, and referrals to VA and community resources – February 5, 2025

https://news.va.gov/138101/access-personalized-career-planning-guidance/

 

Secretary Collins’ message to Veterans and VA employees – February 5, 2025

https://news.va.gov/press-room/secretary-collins-message-to-veterans-and-va-employees/

 

The Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency announced identification of -- World War II Army Air Forces 2nd Lt. Justice J. Buttala

https://www.dpaa.mil/News-Stories/ID-Announcements/Article/4043197/airman-accounted-for-from-world-war-ii-buttala-j/

 

The Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency announced identification of -- World War II Army Pvt. Charles W. Smalley

https://www.dpaa.mil/News-Stories/ID-Announcements/Article/4043176/soldier-accounted-for-from-world-war-ii-smalley-c/

 

The Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency announced an update of -- World War II Army Pfc. Robert L. Bryant, Virginia

https://www.dpaa.mil/News-Stories/ID-Announcements/Article/4043105/soldier-accounted-for-from-wwii-bryant-r/

 

Louisiana Doctor Sentenced for Illegally Distributing Over 1.8M Doses of Opioids in $5.4M Health Care Fraud Scheme – February 6, 2025

https://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/louisiana-doctor-sentenced-illegally-distributing-over-18m-doses-opioids-54m-health-care

 

Acting IG David Case Testified before the Congressional hearing: – February 6, 2025

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hijU74EfZWs

 

VA First, Veteran Second: The Biden/Harris Legacy.  Acting Inspector General, David Case.

Committee: HVAC, Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations.  Written Statement – February 6, 2025

https://www.vaoig.gov/media/statements-to-congress

 

"Veteran confronts Trump in live press conference — His reaction surprises everyone." – February 6, 2025

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=svqN3jh2Kkg

Bay Pines VA performs bronchoscopic lung volume reduction.  Helps Veterans who have severe COPD with significant emphysema – February 6, 2025

https://news.va.gov/138080/bay-pines-bronchoscopic-lung-volume-reduction/

 

Tax season guidance for Veterans.  Maximizing benefits, accessing free assistance and avoiding scams – February 6, 2025

https://news.va.gov/138085/tax-season-guidance-for-veterans/

 

VA operations often hindered by employee misconduct, computer problems, program inefficiencies – February 6, 2025

https://www.stripes.com/veterans/2025-02-06/department-veterans-affairs-operations-hampered-16746507.html

 

VA leaders working with DOGE but say veterans’ personal info is secure – February 6, 2025

https://www.militarytimes.com/veterans/2025/02/06/va-leaders-working-with-doge-but-say-veterans-personal-info-is-secure/

 

Fargo VA Health Care System staff receive 'resign' emails.  Sen. Kevin Cramer said he does not have concerns about veteran care being affected. – February 06, 2025

https://www.inforum.com/news/fargo/fargo-va-health-care-system-staff-receive-resign-emails

 

Senate Dems call on VA secretary to protect veteran data from DOGE – February 6, 2025

https://www.nextgov.com/people/2025/02/senate-dems-call-va-secretary-protect-veteran-data-doge/402821/

 

The Oldest-Ever Buffalo Soldier Enlisted in 1910 and Lived to Fight in 2 World Wars – February 6, 2025

https://www.military.com/history/oldest-ever-buffalo-soldier-enlisted-1910-and-lived-fight-2-world-wars.html

 

Former Government Employee and Wife Plead Guilty to Defrauding the Department of Veterans Affairs – February 6, 2025

https://www.justice.gov/usao-sdca/pr/former-government-employee-and-wife-plead-guilty-defrauding-department-veterans

 

Anesthesiologists bring expertise to VA in support of Veterans.  A better career is waiting – February 7, 2025

https://news.va.gov/137645/bring-expertise-anesthesiologist-to-va/

 

National Salute to Veteran Patients Week.  Visit Veterans and express your gratitude – February 7, 2025

https://news.va.gov/138171/national-salute-to-veteran-patients-week-4/

 

Honoring Veterans: Marine Corps Veteran Bill Greason – February 7, 2025

https://news.va.gov/138253/honoring-veterans-marine-corps-bill-greason/

 

Go Red for Women on National Wear Red Day.  A call to action for women Veterans – February 7, 2025

https://news.va.gov/137959/go-red-for-women/

 

Interventions in health care: A pioneering education initiative shows promise – February 7, 2025

https://news.va.gov/138108/interventions-health-care-initiative-promise/

 

Lucky 7 Layer Dip

https://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/rachael-ray/lucky-7-layer-dip-recipe-1917105

 

VA says more than 130 occupations are ineligible for Trump’s deferred resignation plan – February 7, 2025

https://www.pbs.org/newshour/health/va-says-more-than-130-occupations-are-ineligible-for-trumps-deferred-resignation-plan

 

Veterans Affairs deems more than 130 occupations ineligible for Trump’s deferred resignation plan – February 7, 2025

https://apnews.com/article/nurses-military-veterans-affairs-trump-deferred-resignation-ffa1c70b56c90e7f03a832a6300d280b

 

VA Nurses & Medical Workers Are Now Exempt from Trump’s Federal Employee Buyout – February 7, 2025

https://nurse.org/news/trump-federal-employee-buyout-plan-nurse/

 

House investigates secret Navy study of potential brain injuries among TOPGUN pilots – February 7, 2025

https://www.stripes.com/branches/navy/2025-02-07/brain-injury-navy-pilots-16753078.html

 

Help for blind and low vision Veterans.  Maximizing their sight to live safe and rewarding lives – February 8, 2025

https://news.va.gov/138126/help-for-blind-and-low-vision-veterans/

 

Connecting Veterans in the virtual world with technology.  The power of immersive social support – February 9, 2025

https://news.va.gov/138213/connecting-veterans-virtual-world-technology/

 

PTSD Bytes: Reducing suicide risk.  Limiting access to lethal means provides time to get support – February 10, 2025

https://news.va.gov/138194/ptsd-bytes-reducing-suicide-risk/

 

Radiologists reduce radiation exposure.  New protocols implemented – February 10, 2025

https://news.va.gov/138074/radiologists-reduce-radiation-exposure/

 

Hiring Veterans: Jobs of the week for Feb. 10, 2025

https://news.va.gov/138283/hiring-veterans-jobs-week-feb-10-2025/

 

Live Whole Health #260: Mindful breathing for calm and focus – February 10, 2025

https://news.va.gov/138275/live-whole-health-260-mindful-breathing-for-calm-and-focus/

 

Douglas A. Collins, Secretary of Veterans Affairs

https://department.va.gov/staff-biographies/douglas-a-collins/

The Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency announced of -- Korean War Army Sgt. James B. Brock

https://www.dpaa.mil/News-Stories/ID-Announcements/Article/4049841/soldier-accounted-for-from-korean-war-brock-j/

The Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency announced of -- Korean War Army Sgt. Orace J. Mestas

https://www.dpaa.mil/News-Stories/ID-Announcements/Article/4051974/soldier-accounted-for-from-korean-war-mestas-o/

 

The Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency announced burial update for -- Korean War Army Sgt. David Eugene Hardy, North Carolina

https://www.dpaa.mil/News-Stories/ID-Announcements/Article/4049411/soldier-accounted-for-from-korean-war-hardy-d/

 

The Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency announced burial update for -- World War II Army Air Forces 2nd Lt. Gilbert A. Rauh, New York

https://www.dpaa.mil/News-Stories/ID-Announcements/Article/4049261/pilot-accounted-for-from-world-war-ii-rauh-g/

 

The Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency announced burial update for -- World War II Army Air Forces 1st Lt. Joe A. De Jarnette, Kentucky

https://www.dpaa.mil/News-Stories/ID-Announcements/Article/4049354/pilot-accounted-for-from-world-war-ii-de-jarnette-j/

 

The Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency announced burial update for -- Korean War Army Cpl. Frederick Carrino, Missouri

https://www.dpaa.mil/News-Stories/ID-Announcements/Article/4049214/soldier-accounted-for-from-korean-war-carrino-f/

 

Patriots wheelchair team helps Veterans get in the game.  “Help Veterans build courage and exceed their goals.” – February 11, 2025

https://news.va.gov/138216/patriots-wheelchair-team-veterans-get-in-game/

 

Hiring season is here: Gain the competitive edge with a mentor.  Average starting salary for Veterans who use ACP is $90,000+ – February 11, 2025

https://news.va.gov/138262/hiring-season-here-gain-edge-with-a-mentor/

 

Lapse in Fiduciary Program Oversight Puts Some Vulnerable Beneficiaries at Risk – February 11, 2025

https://www.vaoig.gov/reports/review/lapse-fiduciary-program-oversight-puts-some-vulnerable-beneficiaries-risk

 

California Company Pleads Guilty to Conspiring to sell Misbranded N95 Masks to Hospital in Early Months of COVID-19 Pandemic – February 11, 2025

https://www.justice.gov/usao-ma/pr/california-company-pleads-guilty-conspiring-sell-misbranded-n95-masks-hospital-early

 

House panel focuses on 'bloat' at VA; top Dem says bigger threat is Elon Musk – February 11, 2025

https://www.13newsnow.com/article/news/national/military-news/house-panel-focuses-bloat-va-subcommittee-top-democrat-bigger-threat-elon-musk/291-5a93ff62-1cf4-45c2-bf9f-363b406418c1

 

Baldwin Demands VA Secretary Defend Veterans’ Private Information from Elon Musk – February 11, 2025

https://urbanmilwaukee.com/pressrelease/baldwin-demands-va-secretary-defend-veterans-private-information-from-elon-musk/

 

Healthcare Facility Inspection of the VA Salem Healthcare System in Virginia – February 12, 2025

https://www.vaoig.gov/reports/healthcare-facility-inspection/healthcare-facility-inspection-va-salem-healthcare-system

 

Principal Deputy AIG Testifies before Congress on VA Community Care – February 12, 2025

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7I0ctsc7gA8

 

Roles and Responsibilities: Evaluating VA Community Care.  Dr. Julie Kroviak, Principal Deputy Assistant Inspector General for the Office of Healthcare Inspections. – February 12, 2025

Committee: HVAC, Subcommittee on Health

https://www.vaoig.gov/media/statements-to-congress

 

VA secretary tapped to temporarily lead 2 federal oversight offices – February 12, 2025

https://www.militarytimes.com/veterans/2025/02/12/va-secretary-tapped-to-temporarily-lead-2-federal-oversight-offices/

 

Frontline employees create innovative solutions.  Inspired to make change for Veterans – February 12, 2025

https://news.va.gov/138219/frontline-employees-create-innovative-solutions/

 

Building America: Stepping into a career in construction – February 12, 2025

https://news.va.gov/138272/building-america-stepping-career-construction/

 

VA Announces New Flag Display Policy – February 12, 2025

https://news.va.gov/press-room/va-announces-new-flag-display-policy/

 

Staff Mitigated the Impact of Appointment Cancellations in a Mental Health Clinic at the VA Northern Indiana Healthcare System in Fort Wayne – February 13, 202

https://www.vaoig.gov/reports/hotline-healthcare-inspection/staff-mitigated-impact-appointment-cancellations-mental

 

VA implements new flag display policy at facilities – February 13, 2025

https://news.va.gov/138341/va-implements-flag-display-policy-facilities/

 

Fifty years of helping people at VA.  “As many as I can every day that I can.” – February 13, 2025

https://news.va.gov/138223/fifty-years-of-helping-people-at-va/

 

VA Secretary Doug Collins addresses Veterans’ benefits in new video – February 13, 2025

https://news.va.gov/138326/va-secretary-doug-collins-veterans-benefits/

 

As of Thursday, February 13, 2025, the VA Center for Development and Civic Engagement (CDCE) has resumed onboarding new regularly scheduled volunteers. This comes after delays caused by the federal hiring freeze, which previously halted the onboarding process for these essential volunteers.

https://www.fra.org/fra/Web/Content/News_Byte/FRA_NewsBytes_February_14_2025.aspx

 

VA dismisses more than 1,000 employees – February 13, 2025

https://news.va.gov/press-room/va-dismisses-more-than-1000-employees/

 

Democratic lawmakers, veterans and union leaders rally against VA staff cuts – February 13, 2025

https://www.stripes.com/veterans/2025-02-13/veterans-trump-jobs-cuts-rally-16824792.html

 

LGBTQ Pride flags banned at VA facilities under new policy – February 13, 2025

https://www.militarytimes.com/veterans/2025/02/13/lgbtq-pride-flags-banned-at-va-facilities-under-new-policy/

 

Watchdog agency’s closure could lead to more military financial scams – February 13, 2025

https://www.militarytimes.com/news/pentagon-congress/2025/02/13/watchdog-agencys-closure-could-lead-to-more-military-financial-scams/

 

VA Fires 1,000 Employees as Part of Trump's Trimming of the Federal Workforce – February 14, 2025

https://www.military.com/daily-news/2025/02/14/1000-va-employees-lose-jobs-federal-worker-purge.html

 

My Life My Story: Stan: “She made me calm.” Special Valentine's Day episode – February 14, 2025

https://news.va.gov/138382/my-life-my-story-stan-she-made-me-calm/

 

Honoring Veterans: Army Veteran William Maud Bryant – February 14, 2025

https://news.va.gov/138393/honoring-veterans-army-william-maud-bryant/

 

Tennessee VA revolutionizing how Veterans with limb loss receive care.  Nashville makes strides in independence for rural Veterans – February 14, 2025

https://news.va.gov/138228/tennessee-va-revolutionizing-limb-loss-care/

 

VA offers Pathways for students and recent graduates.  Find the right path for you – February 14, 2025

https://news.va.gov/137492/va-offers-pathways-for-students-and-graduates/

 

The Son of an American Legion Founder Led a Guerrilla Campaign of Terror Against the Nazis – February 14, 2025

https://www.military.com/history/son-of-american-legion-founder-led-guerrilla-campaign-of-terror-against-nazis.html

 

Fresno Man Charged in Assault on Minor at a Veterans Affairs Facility – February 14, 2025

https://www.justice.gov/usao-edca/pr/fresno-man-charged-assault-minor-veterans-affairs-facility

 

Whole Health and a beard were the answer.  “Whole Health helped save my life.” – February 15, 2025

https://news.va.gov/138290/whole-health-and-a-beard-were-the-answer/

 

Honoring the life of Dr. Robert Kral.  Botanist, educator, writer and Korean War Veteran – February 15, 2025

https://news.va.gov/138234/honoring-the-life-of-dr-robert-kral/

 

VA Draws Line on Display of Flags at Facilities – February 15, 2025

https://www.fedweek.com/armed-forces-news/va-implements-new-flag-policy/

 

For Hampton pharmacist, Veterans are priority.  “Every Veteran we treat reminds me why I chose this path.’ – February 16, 2025

https://news.va.gov/138294/for-hampton-pharmacist-veterans-are-priority/

 

‘My dog is my medication’: Veterans with PTSD paired with service dogs – February 16, 2025

https://www.stripes.com/veterans/2025-02-16/veterans-ptsd-paired-with-service-dogs-16852804.html

 

Nourishing your heart.  Accessing healthy foods in your community – February 17, 2025

https://news.va.gov/138299/nourishing-your-heart/

 

Hiring Veterans: Jobs of the week for Feb. 17, 2025

https://news.va.gov/138357/hiring-veterans-jobs-week-feb-17-2025/

 

Live Whole Health #261: Heart health made simple with chair yoga – February 17, 2025

https://news.va.gov/138396/live-whole-health-261-heart-health-chair-yoga/

 

Agent Orange Twisted Her Limbs. The U.S. Is Abandoning a Vow to Help.  Fifty years after the Vietnam War ended, President Trump’s gutting of foreign aid has halted American efforts to address a toxic legacy and build a strategic partnership. – February 17, 2025

https://www.nytimes.com/2025/02/17/world/asia/trump-usaid-vietnam-agent-orange.html

 

New tai chi classes for Veterans.  “It makes me feel more peaceful.” – February 18, 2025

https://news.va.gov/138336/new-tai-chi-classes-for-veterans/

 

Free online courses for Veterans needing business start-up or accelerator help.  Free Warrior Rising online course for Veteran entrepreneurs. Apply by February 24 – February 18, 2025

https://news.va.gov/138364/free-online-courses-veterans-business-help/

 

How to make sure your resume for VA tells the right story.  Set yourself up for success – February 18, 2025

https://news.va.gov/137795/make-sure-your-resume-tells-right-story/

 

Congress Asks Trump to Award Medal of Honor to Trailblazing Marine Vietnam War Veteran – February 18, 2025

https://www.military.com/daily-news/2025/02/18/dozens-of-lawmakers-urge-trump-award-medal-of-honor-storied-marine-vietnam-veteran.html

 

PACT Act Performance Dashboard

https://department.va.gov/pactdata/wp-content/uploads/sites/18/2025/01/VA-PACT-Act-Dashboard-Issue-45-011725_Final_508_v2.pdf

 

No Bake Cheesecake Recipes

https://chocolatewithgrace.com/no-bake-raspberry-cheesecake/

 

Staying independent and connected with your community.  With a little help, you can be independent as you age. – February 19, 2025

https://news.va.gov/138340/staying-independent-connected-with-community/

 

US Sen. Jon Ossoff presses VA leader Collins for info on Musk’s access to veterans’ medical records – February 19, 2025

https://www.wabe.org/us-sen-jon-ossoff-presses-va-leader-collins-for-info-on-musks-access-to-veterans-medical-records/

 

Fort Myers Woman Sentenced For $300,000 Va Fraud Scheme – February 19, 2025

https://www.justice.gov/usao-mdfl/pr/fort-myers-woman-sentenced-300000-va-fraud-scheme

 

VA Deputy Secretary Nominee Pledges to Fix EHRM Program – February 19, 2025

https://meritalk.com/articles/va-deputy-secretary-nominee-pledges-to-fix-ehrm-program/

 

Nominee for VA Deputy Role Questioned by Senate over Firings, Elon Musk Access to Veterans' Info – February 19, 2025

https://www.military.com/daily-news/2025/02/19/nominee-va-deputy-role-questioned-senate-over-firings-elon-musk-access-veterans-info.html

 

VA leadership nominee grilled over recent department layoffs – February 19, 2025

https://www.militarytimes.com/news/pentagon-congress/2025/02/19/va-leadership-nominee-grilled-over-recent-department-layoffs/

 

‘On the backs of veterans’: Senators rail against federal workforce purge as vets hit hard by cuts – February 19, 2025

https://www.stripes.com/theaters/us/2025-02-19/veterans-federal-firings-trump-musk-16888063.html

 

Trump’s Sober Pick for Veterans Affairs Has His Work Cut Out.  Former Representative Doug Collins offers a reassuring vision for the department helping nine million veterans each year. But the VA’s needs and his support for privatization don’t augur well. – February 19, 2025

https://washingtonmonthly.com/2025/02/19/trumps-sober-pick-for-veterans-affairs-has-his-work-cut-out/

 

Nominee for VA Deputy Role Questioned by Senate over Firings, Elon Musk Access to Veterans' Info – February 19, 2025

https://www.military.com/daily-news/2025/02/19/nominee-va-deputy-role-questioned-senate-over-firings-elon-musk-access-veterans-info.html

 

VA leadership nominee grilled over recent department layoffs – February 19, 2025

https://www.armytimes.com/news/pentagon-congress/2025/02/19/va-leadership-nominee-grilled-over-recent-department-layoffs/

 

Veterans Affairs worker laid off amid federal employee cuts shares frustration – February 20, 2025

https://www.krem.com/article/news/local/veterans-affairs-worker-federal-employee-cuts-trump/293-23a3ae4b-edc8-4c42-b9bb-8d4e5f93a6aa

 

Veteran feeling positive after heart surgery.  Back to the dance floor – February 20, 2025

https://news.va.gov/138347/veteran-feeling-positive-after-heart-surgery/

 

Unions sue to overturn the firing of federal workers at VA and other agencies – February 20, 2025

https://www.stripes.com/theaters/us/2025-02-20/federal-firings-veterans-lawsuit-16900239.html

 

Vice President of Health Care Software and Services Company Pleads Guilty to $1B Health Care Fraud Conspiracy – February 20, 2025

https://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/vice-president-health-care-software-and-services-company-pleads-guilty-1b-health-care-fraud

 

VA Secretary Doug Collins addresses Veterans benefits rumors in latest video – February 20, 2025

https://news.va.gov/138540/va-secretary-addresses-benefits-rumors-video/ 

 

Confusion over VA worker dismissals irks advocates, lawmakers – February 20, 2025

https://www.militarytimes.com/news/pentagon-congress/2025/02/20/confusion-over-va-worker-dismissals-irks-advocates-lawmakers/

 

Community Care Network Outpatient Claim Payments Mostly Followed Contract Rates and Timelines, but VA Overpaid for Dental Services – February 20, 2025

https://www.vaoig.gov/reports/audit/community-care-network-outpatient-claim-payments-mostly-followed-contract-rates-and

 

VHPI Digs into Doug Collins – February 20, 2025

https://mailchi.mp/ca6a5e3f33b7/vhpi-newsletter-12894138?e=a90e4e82c0

 

VA reinstates some fired employees, but 36 senators push for rehiring all 1,000 back – February 20, 2025

https://federalnewsnetwork.com/veterans-affairs/2025/02/va-reinstates-some-fired-employees-but-36-senators-push-for-rehiring-all-1000-back/

 

Veterans Healthcare Policy Institute (VHPI) – blog posts

https://veteranspolicy.org/blog/

 

Honoring Veterans: Air Force Veteran Luther H. Smith – February 21, 2025

https://news.va.gov/138527/honoring-veterans-air-force-veteran-luther-h-smith/

 

Software designed to provide diabetic patient education.  Gulf Coast VA enhances Veteran health education – February 21, 2025

https://news.va.gov/138348/software-to-provide-diabetic-patient-education/

 

If you are a Veteran who is homeless or at imminent risk of homelessness, we strongly encourage you to contact the National Call Center for Homeless Veterans at (877) 4AID-VET (877-424-3838) for assistance.

https://www.va.gov/homeless/

 

Joint House and Senate VSO Hearing.  Legislative Hearing Presentation of Disabled American Veterans & Multi VSOs: AMVETS, VV, MOPH, BVA, VES, GSW, ROA"  Tuesday, February 25, 2025 |  10:00 AM

Location: 390 Cannon House Office Building

https://veterans.house.gov/calendar/eventsingle.aspx?EventID=6645

 

Apple TV’s ‘Vietnam: The War that Changed America’ Documentary

https://vva.org/arts-of-war/apple-tvs-vietnam-the-war-that-changed-america-documentary/

 

A Tribute to LTG Hal Moore – February 21, 2017

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w00HolLYnGI

 

VA Secretary Doug Collins Highlights Accomplishments in First 30 Days – February 21, 2025

https://news.va.gov/138566/secretary-doug-collins-accomplishments-30-days/

 

Black History Month offers a chance to celebrate historic contributions of Black Americans – February 21, 2025

https://news.va.gov/138185/black-history-month-celebrate-contributions/

 

VA rescinds most telework, remote work policies for employees that still have them – February 21, 2025

https://federalnewsnetwork.com/workforce/2025/02/va-rescinds-most-telework-remote-work-policies-for-employees-that-still-have-them/

 

Vegetarian Pot Pie Recipe

https://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/aida-mollenkamp/vegetarian-pot-pie-recipe-1945008

 

CWV Book Corner, February: Air Force Veteran Ericka E. Kelly – February 22, 2025

https://news.va.gov/138525/cwv-book-corner-february-air-force-veteran-ericka-e-kelly/

 

Army Veteran Jimmy Villanueva quick to flash a smile.  VA Dentistry’s Homeless Veterans Dental Program supports homeless and at-risk Veterans – February 22, 2025

https://news.va.gov/138448/army-veteran-jimmy-villanueva-flash-smile/