VSO Talk Radio

VA News and Veteran Suicide Prevention

Presumptive conditions, specifically cancers, associated with herbicide exposures 

▪️VA 2025 Proposed changes▪️what the 5/10/20 rule is when it comes to VA disability ratings. 

March 29th is National Vietnam War Veterans Day—a time to recognize the sacrifices, courage, and resilience of those who fought in Vietnam, as well as the families who stood by them.Today we highlight a few remarkable stories of heroism from the Vietnam War highlighting the bravery and sacrifices of those who served

Current local and National legislation introduced to support Veterans

We Discuss the recent firings at the VA and what this could mean for our veterans. 

A vital aspect of  VA Disability  is the presumption of soundness

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Brandon Franco a Marine Drill Instructor Turned Veteran's Services Team Leader for Rosecrance Behavioral Health in Winnebago County Illinois.

▪️VA extends time to switch to new online login system▪️ New VA Secretary sworn in▪️ Heroes' Voices Project 

*Government Hiring Freeze *Benefits for National Guard & Reservists 

The Office of the Veteran Advocate is an independent state agency tasked with ensuring veterans under the care of the Commonwealth receive dignified treatment and access to all available benefits and services. The OVA works collaboratively with its partners, providing policy recommendations and investigative oversight.

▪️VA Payments & Taxes▪️Scams & Fraud ▪️Eligible for one more year of G.I. Bill benefits▪️New cancers presumptive for  service connection ▪️2025 Veterans Benefits Guide is now available

Dole Act Becomes Law: What It Means to Veterans and Caregivers

VA News Articles:▪️Have your say: Proposed changes to VA Caregiver Support Program▪️More service members eligible for benefits after VA amends character of discharge barriers▪️VA raises the bar on care for Women Veterans

If you wish to file a complaint against the Veterans Administration (VA), there are several options depending on the nature of your issue

This week on VSO Talk Radio, we talk to Ashti Dawson, Superintendent of the Veterans Assistance Commission of Sangamon County and her staff. 

VA pension benefits are available to some wartime Veterans and their survivors — find out if you're eligible to apply

Concurrent Military Retired Pay and VA Disability Compensation

CRSC: Combat-Related Special Compensation provides tax-free payments to retired Veterans with combat-related disabilities. You must apply for CRSC through your uniformed service.

Starting January 31, 2025 My HeatheVet users will no longer be able to sing in with their current user ID and password.  New Compensation amounts for 2025

Ancillary benefits are secondary benefits that the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) may provide to veterans, dependents, and survivors: benefits

Chapter 35 of the VA benefits program, also known as the Dependents' Educational Assistance (DEA) program, provides education and training opportunities for dependents of veterans

What it takes to be a VSO

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Interested in free tickets to concerts, and sporting events, or admissions to Parks?  This is the show for you. 

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The Veterans Benefits Continuity and Accountability Supplemental Appropriations Act would ensure the VA has enough funding to keep paying veterans' compensation, pension and readjustment benefits for the rest of fiscal 2024.Without a solution on the funding gap by Sept. 20, some benefits checks to veterans and dependents could be delayed in October.

This week we talk with Veterans Assistance Commission of Lake County SuperintendentAndrew Tangen, JD, MBA, MS. Andrew served in the US Navy, where he deployed eight times in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom, Operation Enduring Freedom, and the Global War on Terrorism, attaining the rank of Lieutenant Commander during his service. He has led the VACLC since May 17, 2017. 

This episodes' special guest is—Jack Chamberland, Event Coordinator for "A Salute to Soldiers." Jack is deeply involved with an organization that has made a tremendous impact on our veteran community, America's VetDogs (AVD). We're excited to hear about his journey and the incredible work being done by AVD. 

On today's episode, we'll be discussing the critical role that caregivers play in supporting our veterans. We'll explore VA programs available to caregivers and talk about the challenges they face, from mental health struggles to financial pressures.

This week we discussed the Hero Act, signed into Law by Governor Healey on this week. It is the most comprehensive veterans' legislation in over 20 years, which includes more than 30 provisions designed to benefit veterans – including VFW-supported legislation that targets the predatory practices of Claim Sharks.

The deadline to file a Camp Lejeune claim is August 10, 2024. This deadline was established by the Camp Lejeune Justice Act, providing families with a 2-year statute of limitations to file their legal claims.  

Disability Benefits Questionnaires (DBQs). DBQs help collect necessary medical information to process your disability claims. You can use these forms to submit medical evidence from your health care providers. This information helps to support your claims for disability benefits. 

Karen Smietanski, Assistant Superintendent Veterans Assistance Commission of Kankakee County, IL

VA Aid and Attendance or Housebound benefits provide monthly payments added to the amount of a monthly VA pension for qualified Veterans and survivors. If you need help with daily activities, or you're housebound, find out if you qualify.

We will discuss a couple of topics that came to us from you, our listeners.  The first topic is Individual Unemployability, a program that allows veterans to receive 100% compensation even if their service-connected disabilities are not rated at that level and BDD Claims also known as Pre-Discharge Claims.

The Massachusetts Senate passed the Hero Act and added a few amendments to enhance the house passed bill.   We discuss the content of the bill and the amendments.   This is one of the largest Veterans enhancement bills in decades. 

The VA is including three new cancer types in the list of presumed service-connected disabilities due to military environmental exposure under the PACT Act.  We also discuss the proposed changes coming to the VA Schedule for Rating Disabilities,   specifically pertaining to the respiratory, auditory, and mental disorders body systems.  

You could owe the VA money for different reasons. These are 2 of the most common reasons:Copayments. You received care at a VA health facility and you're in a priority group that requires you to pay copayments.Benefit overpayments. The VA paid you, or your school, more than you were eligible to receive for a VA benefit payment. The VA often refer to this type of debt as an overpayment.

VA's Fiduciary Program was established to protect Veterans and other beneficiaries who, due to injury, disease, or due to age, are unable to manage their financial affairs. VA will only determine an individual to be unable to manage his or her financial affairs after receipt of medical documentation or if a court of competent jurisdiction has already made the determination.

This week as we prepare to honor those lost in war in Memorial Day Observances, We talked with Gold Star Mother Tracy Taylor who lost her son Spc Kenneth J. Iwasinski KIA 10.14.2007.  

My HealtheVet is a web-based personal health record that gives Veterans information and tools to improve their health. Registration is required to have full access to all features like, Secure messaging, Prescription refills and tracking, and more.

Did you know…..If you're an eligible Veteran, you can get urgent care at VA medical centers and in‑network urgent care providers near you.This week on #VSOTR #VSOTalkRadio we discuss VA Urgent Care Coverage and Getting emergency care at non-VA facilities

VASP is a new, last-resort tool in VA's comprehensive suite of home retention options for eligible Veterans, active-duty Service members, and surviving spouses with VA-guaranteed home loans who are experiencing severe financial hardship.

VA updates Disability Rating Schedule for digestive system

This week we talk all things VA Burial Benefits ▪️who is eligible ▪️what is covered▪️Monetary Benefits eligibility ▪️Markers, Medallions and more 

David West is the Veterans Services Officer for Nevada County, CA and he served honorably for five years in the United States Marine Corps.  David is familiar with the struggles that veterans face when transitioning from the military service back to civilian life and uses his own life experiences to connect with the veterans.

If you have a service-connected disability that limits your ability to work or prevents you from working, Veteran Readiness and Employment (formerly called Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment) can help. This program—also known as Chapter 31 or VR&E—helps you explore employment options and address education or training needs

If you're a Veteran who lives overseas, you remain entitled to the benefits and services you earned through your military service. Most VA benefits are payable regardless of your place of residence or nationality.