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Va Benefits

All articles tagged with #va benefits

veterans-affairs2 years ago•7 min saved

"Landmark Law Marks Anniversary: Veterans Reap Historic Benefits for Toxic Exposure"

As the first anniversary of the PACT Act approaches, which expanded veterans assistance for toxic exposure, the Department of Veterans Affairs is working to enroll as many veterans as possible. The law allows certain cancers and ailments to be presumed connected to burn pits in Afghanistan and Agent Orange in Vietnam. The VA has received nearly 786,000 disability claims, processed almost 435,000, and approved over 348,000. However, the backlog is expected to grow to 450,000 in October and 730,000 in April. Despite challenges, the VA has spent $7.5 million on advertising and hosted events to raise awareness. The law's anniversary will be marked by President Biden at a Veterans Affairs hospital in Salt Lake City.

via The Associated Press|

#burn-pits #pact-act #toxic-exposure

lgbtq-rights2 years ago•9 min saved

Unresolved Benefits: The Lingering Impact of 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell' on LGBTQ+ Veterans

Retired Lt. Col. Bob Alexander, who stayed closeted in the Air Force for 20 years due to the "don't ask, don't tell" policy, is now working as a cybersecurity attorney in Washington D.C. He is helping veterans who were discharged dishonorably because of their sexual orientation. Advocates estimate that around 114,000 troops were pushed out of the service over the years due to their sexual orientation, often resulting in a loss of VA benefits and difficulty finding civilian jobs. Alexander is working to assist these veterans in obtaining the benefits they deserve, but the process is complicated and many veterans may still be unaware of their eligibility.

via NPR|

#dont-ask-dont-tell #honorable-discharge #lgbtq-rights