Military & Veterans News
Military & Veterans News
VA partners with National Guard to provide on-site counseling during training weekends
The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and the Department of Defense formalized a partnership June 28 between VA’s Vet Centers and the National Guard Bureau, to provide Vet Center counseling, outreach staff and other services to members during training or drill weekends.
Military & Veterans News
VA Releases 2019 National Veteran Suicide Prevention Report
Today, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) released its 2019 National Veteran Suicide Prevention Report. It includes findings from its most recent analysis of Veteran suicide data from 2005 to 2017. The 2019 National Veteran Suicide Prevention Annual Report highlights suicide as a national problem, and urges all Americans to come together to address the larger social issues that contribute to the increased rates of suicide in the U.S.
Military & Veterans News
Presidential Proclamation on National POW/MIA Recognition Day, 2019
Our American story is filled with countless examples of patriots who have gone beyond the call of duty to defend our precious liberties and cherished freedoms. National POW/MIA Recognition Day is an opportunity for our Nation to honor the intrepid spirit and admirable bravery of all former American prisoners of war, while also reaffirming our promise never to relent in our quest to locate the Soldiers, Sailors, Marines, Airmen, Coast Guardsmen, Merchant Marines, and civilians who remain missing in action.
Military & Veterans News
Department of Defense Establishes U.S. Space Command
At the direction of the President of the United States, Secretary of Defense Mark T. Esper established U.S. Space Command (USSPACECOM) today as the eleventh Unified Combatant Command. Gen. John W. Raymond is its Senate confirmed commander.
Military & Veterans News
VA launches Veterans Legacy Memorial to honor deceased Veterans online
The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), National Cemetery Administration (NCA) launched the Veterans Legacy Memorial (VLM), Aug. 14, the country's first digital platform dedicated entirely to the preservation of the memory of the 3.7 million Veterans interred in VA national cemeteries.
Military & Veterans News
VA hosts initiative that assists in securing financial futures for Veterans, service members and their families
The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs will host the Economic Investment (EI) Initiative: Puget Sound 2019, Aug. 6 – 8 at the South Puget Sound Community College in Olympia, Washington, to help those who serve or have served in uniform find continued success in civilian life.
Military & Veterans News
VA has cured 100,000 Veterans of Hepatitis C
As World Hepatitis Day is marked nationwide this week, the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has reached a significant milestone, having cured more than 100,000 Veterans of chronic hepatitis C virus infection (HCV), establishing VA as a global leader in the diagnosis and treatment of HCV.
Military & Veterans News
VA, DeepMind develop machine learning system to predict life-threatening disease before it appears
The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) in partnership with DeepMind Health, published results in the July 31 edition of Nature, on the development of an artificial intelligence (AI) system that can forecast a deadly kidney disease in advance.
Military & Veterans News
Remarks by New DoD Secretary Mark T. Esper at Welcome Ceremony at the Pentagon
Here is a copy of the remarks by New DoD Secretary Mark T. Esper at Welcome Ceremony at the Pentagon.
Military & Veterans News
VA releases Benefits Administration’s 3rd quarter benefits performance results
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs’ (VA) Undersecretary for Benefits, Dr. Paul R. Lawrence, reported on his organization’s performance for the third quarter of fiscal year 2019 in a livestream broadcast today.
Military & Veterans News
VA extends Agent Orange presumption to ‘Blue Water Navy’ Veterans
The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is preparing to process Agent Orange exposure claims for “Blue Water Navy” Veterans who served offshore of the Republic of Vietnam between Jan. 9, 1962, and May 7, 1975.
Military & Veterans News
VA to reduce rates for Servicemembers’ Group Life Insurance
On July 1, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) will reduce Servicemembers’ Group Life Insurance (SGLI) monthly premium rates from 7 cents per $1,000 to 6 cents per $1,000 of insurance, along with Family SGLI Program (FSGLI) premium rates for spousal coverage at all age brackets.
Military & Veterans News
VA and White House launch Veteran suicide-prevention task force
As part of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and White House initiative to curb Veteran suicide, VA Secretary Robert Wilkie and Director of the White House Domestic Policy Council Joe Grogan will launch a cabinet-level task force June 17 to develop a national roadmap.
Military & Veterans News
VA exceeds hiring goal of mental health providers by the thousands
The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) recently surpassed its original goal to hire mental health providers by more than 1,000, through the Mental Health Hiring Initiative, which aims to achieve higher standards of access and quality care. 
Military & Veterans News
Chairman Takano, Senator Tester Demand Secret Waitlists from VA
The House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs Chairman Mark Takano and Senate Committee on Veterans’ Affairs Ranking Member Jon Tester sent a letter yesterday to VA following a whistleblower claim alleging VA has secret waitlists for veterans seeking health care, as reported by the Washington Post. In their letter, Chairman Takano and Senator Tester expressed their shared concern about the allegations and demanded that VA provide a more thorough explanation regarding the two sets of waitlists by the end of the week.
Military & Veterans News
VA announces final community care regulations under MISSION Act
Today the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) announced the publication in the Federal Register of two final regulations as part of its new Veterans Community Care Program under the VA Maintaining Internal Systems and Strengthening Integrated Outside Networks (MISSION) Act of 2018.
Military & Veterans News
Two New Fisher Houses open in New York
Rockville, MD – The dedication ceremony for the first Fisher Houses in New York City was May 22. The two new Bronx homes were dedicated by Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Secretary Robert Wilkie, Chairman and CEO of Fisher House Foundation, Ken Fisher, and James J. Peters VA Medical Center Director, Dr. Erik Langhoff.
Military & Veterans News
VA’s national cemeteries to host Memorial Day ceremonies
The U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs’ (VA) National Cemetery Administration (NCA) will host Memorial Day ceremonies from May 25 to May 27 to commemorate the nation’s fallen service members.
Military & Veterans News
House Passes Legislation to Extend Benefits to Blue Water Navy Vietnam Veterans
WASHINGTON, D.C. – - Today, Chairman Mark Takano (D-Cali.) and Ranking Member Dr.
Military & Veterans News
Chairman Takano – H.R. 299 Is Clearest Route to Finally Deliver Benefits to Blue Water Navy Veterans
Today, House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs Chairman Mark Takano (CA-41) delivered remarks and presented an updated version of H.R. 299, before the first Subcommittee on Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs legislative hearing.
Military & Veterans News
VA celebrates Women’s Health Week with events at medical centers
In celebration of National Women’s Health Week, May 12-18, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Medical Centers (VAMCs) across the country will host events to support women Veterans and connect them with VA’s health care services.
Military & Veterans News
VA publishes Code of Integrity ethical standards for its Health Care Administration employees
The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) recently published a Code of Integrity, which sets the ethical standards and obligations of every employee in VA’s Veterans Health Administration (VHA).
Military & Veterans News
Military Officials Dispute Amnesty International Allegations of Civilian Casualties
Allegations by a human rights group that U.S. Africa Command is responsible for civilian casualties in Somalia are not correct, Defense Department officials said.
Military & Veterans News
VA on path to cure 100,000 Veterans of hepatitis C
Today the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) announced it is on track to eliminate the hepatitis C virus (HCV) in as few as two months, in all Veterans willing and able to be treated.