Office of Public and Intergovernmental Affairs
Military & Veterans News
Benefit News: U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Announces Formation of New Veterans’ Family, Caregiver, and Survivor Advisory Committee; Names Senator Elizabeth Dole Chair
Today the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) announced the formation of the Veterans’ Family, Caregiver, and Survivor Federal Advisory Committee as part of VA Secretary David Shulkin’s commitment to supporting our nation’s Veterans and those who care for them.
Military & Veterans News
Benefit News: VA Selects Providers for Dental Insurance Program
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) announced that it has selected Delta Dental of California and MetLife to once again offer private dental insurance plans as part of the VA Dental Insurance Program (VADIP).
Military & Veterans News
Benefit News: VA Extends Funding to Groups Impacted By Grant and Per Diem Program Changes
WASHINGTON — Today, VA Secretary David J. Shulkin announced an extension of funding to organizations that applied for Fiscal Year 2018 grants under VA’s Homeless Providers’ Grant and Per Diem Program, but would be found ineligible due to new program guidelines.
Military & Veterans News
Benefit News: Statement by VA Secretary David J. Shulkin - Passage of the Forever GI Bill
Congress has spoken with a strong voice in support of our Veterans this afternoon. The Forever GI Bill expands the success our Veterans have had with the GI Bill providing opportunities that otherwise would not be possible.
Military & Veterans News
Benefit News: VA Answers Governor Christie's Call on Opioid, Launches S.T.O.P. P.A.I.N Advices and Guidelines
WASHINGTON – When it comes to treating pain and substance abuse, the Department of Veterans Affairs is recognized by many as a leader in the pain management field and the responsible use of opioids across the VA healthcare system.
Military & Veterans News
Benefit News: VA Caregiver Support Program Resumes Full Operations
WASHINGTON – Today the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) announced it is resuming full operations of the Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers. The resumption follows an April 17 decision to temporarily suspend certain clinical revocations from the program to conduct a strategic review aimed at strengthening the program.
Military & Veterans News
Benefit News: VA Launches Physician Ambassador Program: Department partners with volunteer medical professionals to improve care
WASHINGTON — The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) announced today that it has launched the Physician Ambassador Program, an effort to recruit volunteer medical providers, at the more than 1,700 VA health-care facilities across the nation.
Military & Veterans News
Benefit News: New VA Online Tool Helps Veterans Learn About and Compare Effective PTSD Treatments
WASHINGTON — The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) launched a new online tool this week that will help Veterans compare various treatment options for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
Military & Veterans News
Benefit News: Secretary Shulkin Delivers His First ‘State of the VA’ Address
WASHINGTON — Secretary of Veterans Affairs Dr. David J. Shulkin delivered his first “State of the VA” address today, highlighting the activity and direction of the agency since his appointment in February. In his address, Secretary Shulkin stated that he wanted to update Veterans on the progress the agency is making while also acknowledging the shortcomings that the VA has identified and will address in the upcoming months.
Military & Veterans News
Benefit News: VA Hosts Annual Brain Trust Event in Boston
BOSTON — Designed to promote forward-thinking dialogue and innovative collaboration among private industry as well as national professional sports organizations around the issue of brain health, the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is hosting its second annual Brain Trust: Pathways to InnoVAtion summit, which kicked off today at Harvard University.
Military & Veterans News
Benefits News: Secretary David Shulkin Announces Establishment of Office of Accountability and Whistleblower Protection and Names Peter O’Rourke as its Senior Advisor and Executive Director
WASHINGTON -- Today U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Secretary David Shulkin announced that he has established the Office of Accountability and Whistleblower Protection in the Department, and that Peter O'Rourke will serve as Senior Advisor and Executive Director of the Office, reporting directly to the Secretary.Military & Veterans News
Vet News: Veterans to Showcase Fitness at National Veterans Golden Age Games
WASHINGTON — Nearly 800 Veterans of age 55 and older will join volunteers and rehabilitative professionals from across the country for the 31st National Veterans Golden Age Games, scheduled May 7-11 in Biloxi, Mississippi.Military & Veterans News
Vet News: VA Recognizes Mental Health Awareness Month With Promotion of ‘Use Your Voice’ Awareness Program to Urge Veterans to Speak Up About Mental Illness
WASHINGTON — Today the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) announced that, as part of its recognition of Mental Health Awareness Month in May, it is promoting “Use Your Voice,” a national awareness program that encourages Veterans to seek mental health treatment if they need it.
Military & Veterans News
Benefit News: President Donald J. Trump Visits VA, Signs VA accountability executive order, Secretary Shulkin makes new key announcements
Today President Donald J. Trump visited the Department of Veterans Affairs to thank Veterans for their service, and VA employees for their work helping Veterans.
Military & Veterans News
Benefit News: VA Secretary Praises Congress for Extending Choice Program
WASHINGTON — Today, following the U.S. Senate’s passage by unanimous consent this week, the U.S. House of Representatives passed legislation that extends the Veterans Choice Program (VCP) until the funding dedicated to the program is exhausted. The VCP is a critical program that increases access to care for millions of Veterans. Without this legislation, the ability to use VCP funding would have ended abruptly on Aug. 7 of this year. Secretary of Veterans Affairs Dr. David J. Shulkin released the following statement of support:Military & Veterans News
Vet News: VA Secretary Makes Strides to Improve Veterans Experience
WASHINGTON — In an effort to elevate the Veterans Experience Office (VEO), the Secretary of Veterans Affairs, Dr. David J. Shulkin, today announced the appointment of Lynda Davis, PhD, as Chief Veterans Experience Officer for the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).Military & Veterans News
Vet News: VA national cemeteries to commemorate World War I centennial
WASHINGTON — The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) National Cemetery Administration (NCA) announced its cemeteries will host wreath-laying ceremonies the week of April 6 to commemorate the 353,082 World War I Veterans interred in VA sites across the country.
Military & Veterans News
Benefit News: VA REACH VET Initiative Helps Save Veterans Lives: Program Signals When More Help Is Needed for At-risk Veterans
WASHINGTON — Suicide prevention is one of the Department of Veterans Affairs’ (VA) highest priorities. As part of VA’s commitment to put resources, services and all technology available to reduce Veteran suicide, VA has launched an innovative program called Recovery Engagement and Coordination for Health – Veterans Enhanced Treatment (REACH VET).
Military & Veterans News
Benefit News: VA to Provide Fertility Counseling and Treatment for Certain Veterans and Spouses
WASHINGTON - The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) announced today that it is amending its regulation regarding fertility counseling and treatment available to eligible Veterans and spouses. VA currently provides certain infertility services other than in vitro fertilization (IVF) services to Veterans as part of the medical benefits package. This interim final rule authorizes IVF for a Veteran with a service-connected disability that results in the inability of the Veteran to procreate without the use of fertility treatment. It also states that VA may provide fertility counseling and treatment using assisted reproductive technologies (ART), including IVF, to a spouse of a Veteran with a service-connected disability that results in the inability of the Veteran to procreate without the use of fertility treatment.
Military & Veterans News
Benefit News: VA’s rule establishes presumption of service connection for diseases associated with exposure to contaminants in water supply at Camp Lejeune
WASHINGTON – The Department of Veterans Affairs’ (VA) regulations to establish presumptions for the service connection of eight diseases associated with exposure to contaminants in the water supply at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, are effective as of today.
Military & Veterans News
Benefit News: VA’s Rule Establishes a Presumption of Service Connection for Diseases Associated with Exposure to Contaminants in the Water Supply at Camp Lejeune
WASHINGTON – The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has published regulations to establish presumptions for the service connection of eight diseases associated with exposure to contaminants in the water supply at Camp Lejeune, N.C.Military & Veterans News
Vet News: New Members Appointed to VA Advisory Committee on Women Veterans
WASHINGTON – Four new members have been appointed to the Department of Veterans Affairs’ (VA) Advisory Committee on Women Veterans, an expert panel that advises the Secretary on issues and programs affecting women Veterans. Established in 1983, the Committee makes recommendations to the Secretary for administrative and legislative changes.
Military & Veterans News
Benefits News: VA Partners with Prostate Cancer Foundation to Expand Clinical Research
WASHINGTON – As a national leader in oncology advancement and as the largest integrated healthcare system in the nation, the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) today announced an important and substantial partnership with the Prostate Cancer Foundation (PCF) to prevent, screen and promote research to speed the development of treatments and cures for prostate cancer among Veterans. Announcement of the partnership was made during Launch Pad: Pathways to Cancer InnoVAtion, a joint VA/PCF summit held today that brings together world-class oncology experts, corporate and nonprofit partners to discuss research, big data, technology and clinical solutions to advance screening, diagnostics and care coordination for cancer and to promote the implementation of best practices across the VA healthcare system.Military & Veterans News
Vet News: VA Introduces New Weekly Podcast
WASHINGTON - As part of its ongoing effort to engage and reach out to Veterans, the Department of Veterans Affairs has launched a podcast titled “This Week at VA.” The podcast will be produced weekly. Each episode will include information on benefits or products, interviews with Veterans, a highlighted Veteran of the Day and other helpful content. This week’s show features an interview with VA Secretary Robert A. McDonald.