Veterans assistance programs

Need help? Allen Appel writes about two veterans programs, the Veterans Disability Compensation Program and the Veterans Disability Pension Program, and how to qualify for either of them. [tcpalm.com]

New GI Bill may be signed by President in July

President Bush has dropped resistance to a new version of the GI Bill. 'Known also as the Post-9/11 Veterans Educational Assistance Act of 2008, the new GI Bill will deliver to current servicemembers, to many recently separated veterans and to oft-deployed Reserve and Guard members an education benefit never envisioned for an all-volunteer force.' [Stars and Stripes]

Most veterans can still own guns

The Senate Veterans Affairs Committee approved an amendment to a veterans health care bill on Thursday in which 'Lists of veterans who have been assigned fiduciaries to handle financial matters on their behalf could not be used to prevent gun ownership. By voice vote, the committee attached to a veterans’ health care bill an amendment prohibiting the Department of Veterans Affairs from sharing lists of so-called “incompetent” veterans with the FBI. Only if there has been specific ruling that a veteran poses a risk to himself or others could the VA pass a name on to the FBI for inclusion in records used to make instant background checks before gun purchases.' [Air Force Times]

Federal judge drops case regarding veterans mental health needs

The California case brought by two groups, Veterans for Common Sense and Veterans United for Truth, accusing the Veterans Affairs department of 'failing to take care of the mental health needs of returning troops, has been dropped.' [Injuryboard.com]

Senate increases help for veterans but Bush likely to veto

As Appropriations season opens on Capitol Hill, both the House and Senate are approving increases in veterans causes such as construction and programs.

The bill runs the risk of being vetoed by President Bush.

Marines hold 'wounded warrior' job fair

The Marines held a job fair in Camp Lejeune from wounded Marines. 45 employers from around the U.S. met with 40 Marines to discuss future employment after they were discharged. [Raleigh News & Observer]

New investigation of drug study with veterans

ABC and the Washington Times, have teamed up to look at government tests that use 'mentally-distressed veterans' and new pharmaceutical drugs that may be 'linked to suicide and other violent side effects.' [ABC News]

House subcomittee passes VA construction bill

The House passed a $118.7 billion Military Construction appropriations bill today for the 2009 fiscal year. It has $2.9 billion over what President Bush asked for for the VA. This bill may not survive the presidential veto pen. [Capitol Hill Watch]

Chemical tests veterans ask for help

From the AP: 'Lawmakers and veterans of secret Cold War-era chemical and germ tests on military personnel demanded help from the Bush administration Thursday, but they got no satisfaction.

Officials from the Pentagon and Veterans Affairs Department said there was no need for legislation to guarantee health care and benefits to the veterans. ' [Associated Press]

Soldiers get anti-depressants to calm nerves while in combat zone

'For the first time in history, a sizable and growing number of U.S. combat troops are taking daily doses of antidepressants to calm nerves strained by repeated and lengthy tours in Iraq and Afghanistan. ' A long excellent article on this topic.  [Time Magazine]

VA creates ombudsman position

House Veterans' Affairs Health Subcommittee, on a voice vote, elected to create an ombudsman position at the Department of Veterans Affairs.  The point of such an office is to 'act as a one-stop shop for information on benefits administered by the VA, including medical, housing and education. When testifying in support of his bill before the Health Subcommittee on June 14, 2007, Hodes said the VA has separate hotlines for different benefits, and the process can be confusing to veterans returning from overseas.' Veterans Affairs disapproves calling it a new level of bureacracy. [Government Executive]

Doctor who wrote VA email in hot water

Dr. Norma Perez, who wrote an email suggesting that some veterans be diagnosed with the 'adjustment disorder' instead of PTSD, testified in front of Congress on Wednesday. 'A Department of Veterans Affairs psychologist told senators Wednesday that cost cutting was not the reason she urged fellow clinicians at the Temple, Texas, Veterans Affairs hospital to "refrain from" diagnosing veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder.' [Seattle Post-Intelligencer]

Maryland acts to help veterans

The state of Maryland has launched a program to help returning veterans from Iraq and Afghanistan. Afraid that they will fall between cracks at the Veteran Administration, 'state coordinators will help Maryland veterans from the Iraq and Afghanistan wars get access to mental health treatment from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.' [Washington Post]

12000 veterans attempting suicide a year

The Veterans Administration has lied about the number of veterans who've attempted suicide, a senator charged last month, citing internal e-mails that put the number at 12,000 a year when the department was publicly saying it was fewer than 800. [McClatchy newspapers via Coastalpost.com]

Veterans data stolen at Walter Reed

Veterans at Walter Reed Army Medical Center have had their personal information stolen. Roughly 1,000 patients have been offered credit monitoring services. This follows other government data breaches. [Consumer Affairs.org]

Mississippi veterans aren't being served

Slowdowns in processing claims for Mississippi veterans "have led to calls for a U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs investigation." The Clarion-Ledger has documents showing that claims 'at the U.S. Veterans Affairs' Jackson Regional Office were being processed 53 percent slower than the national and regional average. That includes claims from combat veterans seeking help for combat-related post traumatic stress disorder.' [Clarion-Ledger]

New York court helps PTSD veterans

Up in Buffalo NY is what the Veterans Administration and other are calling the first "veterans treatment court" for veterans who do non-violent crimes. The sentences are usually counseling, aide and sobriety treatments. [USA Today]

Robotic arm prosthetic causes buzz

A new robot arm with fully articulated fingers and fine motion control was shown at the D6 convention in California. [Wired]