African Americans have fought in every military conflict in US history, even as they were denied rights and benefits afforded to their White counterparts. A new monument now recognizes their contributions to the nation.

CNN: A new monument honors Black service members across US wars & military branches

29 September 2022

As of August 30, 2022, VA has achieved 26,554 permanent housing placements, meeting 70% of the goal. VA’s homeless programs are averaging 3,319 placements each month.

VA on pace to house 38,000 homeless Veterans by end of 2022

29 September 2022

VA is following CDC guidelines and prioritizing individuals for the vaccine based on their personal risk of exposure. Veterans enrolled at the VA Northern California Health Care System are encouraged to call 1-800-382-8387 for more information. Veterans can also visit https://www.va.gov/resources/monkeypox-information-for-veterans/.

VA NorCal: Monkeypox – What Veterans Need to Know

29 September 2022

Veterans Now Able to Enter/Edit Gender ID, Preferred Name

The following information was released today:

The Department of Veterans Affairs includes gender identity and preferred name in its national medical record system to help VA providers better understand and meet the health care needs of Veterans. As of June 25th, 2022, VA patients can view, enter and edit their gender identity and preferred name at VA.gov Home | Veterans Affairs. This new feature of VA.gov gives Veterans the ability to enter information about themselves into their health record without going through a VA staff person. With this new solution, VA is giving Veterans more control and choice when it comes to their healthcare information.

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It’s been years since the military lifted the ban to allow gay, lesbian and bisexual troops to serve openly, but veterans kicked out under the ban are still on their own to clear their names.

🏳️‍🌈KPBS: The former ban on LGBT troops still haunts veterans🏳️‍⚧️

A new analysis dives into the use of service dogs by U.S. veterans who have posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), illuminating factors and mechanisms that may underlie the mental health effects of these relationships.

Science Daily – How service dogs reduce PTSD symptoms: factors and mechanisms

House lawmakers warned that they may kill off the Department of Veterans Affairs costly and complicated electronic health records modernization effort unless officials can show significant progress in coming months.

Military Times: VA’s $16 billion health records overhaul could be scrapped if fixes aren’t made

In June of 1950, the United States answered the call to defend freedom abroad by joining the Republic of Korea in its fight against the communist regime in North Korea and eventually the People’s Republic of China. After 3 years of violent combat across the Korean peninsula, an armistice was signed by representatives of the United States as head of the United Nations Command, the People’s Republic of China, and North Korea. For nearly 70 years, the ensuing peace and the abiding relationship between the Korean and American people has been the foundation for the thriving democracy and incredible economic progress of the Republic of Korea.

WH: A Proclamation on National Korean War Veterans Armistice Day, 2022

It’s often called “The Forgotten War,” but one day a year is set aside to remind Americans of those who served and died in the conflict — Korean War Veterans Armistice Day on July 27.

Everything You Need to Know About Korean War Veterans Armistice Day

The Department of Veterans Affairs has proposed changes to the VA Schedule for Rating Disabilities that pertain to the respiratory and auditory systems. The changes will incorporate medical advancements for treating certain disabilities and modern medical knowledge to more accurately compensate veterans for their service-connected disabilities, according to the VA.

DAV: VA proposes updates to disability rating schedule

If there’s no record of your injury, a letter from your battle buddy could work.

Task & Purpose: Why veterans filing VA claims should be using a ‘buddy statement’

The review team examined three distinct samples of claimed conditions potentially related to burn pit exposure completed from May 1, 2020, to May 1, 2021, and found VBA could improve its processing and oversight. Though VBA staff nearly always made the correct decision in granting compensation for conditions identified as burn pit-related, the OIG found most denials were premature.

VA OIG: Veterans Prematurely Denied Compensation for Conditions That Could Be Associated with Burn Pit Exposure

The Veterans Health Administration (VHA) began collecting and recording data in the registry in May 2014 through an online questionnaire and free in-person exams. The OIG found many veterans did not complete the 140-item questionnaire, which is not clear and veteran-centric. Veterans also did not always realize they were responsible for scheduling their own exams.

VA OIG: Airborne Hazards & Open Burn Pit Registry Exam Process Needs Improvement

Under the Serving Our LGBTQ Veterans Act, a center for LGBTQ+ veterans would be established within the Department of Veterans’ Affairs (VA). A director would be appointed to advise the VA on the adoption and implementation of policies and programs affecting LGBTQ+ veterans, according to the bill.

🏳️‍🌈The Hill: House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs passes bill to create center for LGBTQ+ veterans🏳️‍🌈

Veterans Affairs officials are overhauling their website detailing medical wait times at facilities across the country, but that won’t mean significant changes to private-sector care eligibility for patients worried about access issues.

Military Times: VA overhauls patient wait time website, but not policies on other medical options

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