VFW Action Corps Weekly
House Hearing on VA Community Care Access: VFW Communications and Public Affairs Associate Director Brittany Dymond Murray testified before the House Committee on Veterans' Affairs regarding access shortfalls within the VA community care program. She illustrated her personal experience navigating the referral process as she sought inpatient mental health treatment for post-traumatic stress disorder. Following two denials for care because of arbitrary VA geographics rules, she was left with no choice but to attend a program that was not fully appropriate for her complex diagnosis. “Arbitrary location rules should never be the ONLY factor in determining which veterans have access to life-saving care,” said Dymond Murray. Other witnesses on the panel discussed topics such as inconsistencies across VA facilities in implementing the VA MISSION Act of 2018, long delays in referral processing resulting in one veteran’s worsened cancer diagnosis, and a veteran's suicide death that might have been avoided had he received more timely mental health care. Read the testimony or watch the hearing, which begins at the 7:27 mark.
VFW Testifies at House Subcommittee Oversight Hearing: VFW National Legislative Associate Director Nancy Springer testified at a House Veterans’ Affairs Subcommittee on Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs oversight hearing on VA fiduciaries and due process for Second Amendment rights. Springer provided a list of recommendations for improving the VA fiduciary assignment process that is currently cause for concern. She also commented on veterans’ hesitation to use VA health care due to the fear that disclosing a disabling condition or difficulty managing routine financial tasks could result in the loss of these rights. Read the testimony or watch the hearing, which begins at the 6:05 mark.
VA Sign In Changes: After Jan. 31, 2025, you will need to sign in to your VA websites and apps with your DS Logon, Login.gov, or ID.me. Your MyHealtheVet user ID and password will no longer be an option. Don’t have a Login.gov or ID.me account? Find out how to create an account or scan the QR code with your phone camera.
Senator Moran Outlines Priorities for VA Reform: In his remarks during the first hearing of the Senate Committee on Veterans' Affairs in the 119th Congress, Chairman Jerry Moran emphasized that his work is driven by feedback from veterans and is focused on improving VA. He highlighted the need for better access to health care and benefits. He also expressed his expectation that the next VA Secretary –– presumptive nominee former Georgia Rep. Doug Collins –– would share this focus and work to address the issues within VA, which plays a critical role in both supporting veterans and ensuring national security. Read more.
Energy Jobs for Veterans: The Troops to Energy Jobs program provides veterans with a roadmap for entry into highly skilled careers within the energy industry. These jobs are challenging, rewarding, and provide competitive compensation and professional growth opportunities. Its website is here to guide veterans, transitioning service members, National Guard and Reserve members, and military spouses on their paths to fulfilling careers. Learn more about the energy industry and the variety of energy careers, find energy jobs, and get advice and coaching from a veteran career coach.