U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
Military & Veterans News
VA launches national PACT Act Summer VetFest to encourage Veterans and survivors to apply for new health care and benefits
WASHINGTON — In July, VA will kick off PACT Act Summer VetFest to inform Veterans, their families, and survivors about the PACT Act and encourage them to apply for the health ca
Military & Veterans News
VA stands up Agency Equity Team to ensure that all Veterans receive the world-class care and benefits they deserve
VA also announced that it has created a new Equity Assurance Office within the Veterans Benefits Administration. This office will work in coordination with the I*DEA Council to eliminate any disparities in the delivery of earned benefits to Veterans, including disability benefits, housing benefits, GI Bill benefits, and much more. This office will be led by Laurine Carson and will report directly to the Office of the Under Secretary for Benefits.
Military & Veterans News
Veterans can now call 1-800-MyVA411 to report sexual assault or sexual harassment at VA
Today, the Department of Veterans Affairs announced that Veterans, their families, caregivers, and survivors can now report incidents of sexual assault or sexual harassment at VA facilities by calling 1-800-MyVA411 (1-800-698-2411, option 9).
Military & Veterans News
VA relaxes masking at health care facilities
Today, the Department of Veterans Affairs announced that it has relaxed the masking requirement at VA medical facilities. VA facilities will no longer universally require masks in most clinical areas.
Military & Veterans News
VA now working with 1,000+ community-based coalitions to end Veteran suicide
Today, the Department of Veterans Affairs announced it is now working with more than 1,000 local community coalitions engaged in ending Veteran suicide. These coalitions, established through VA’s Public Health Model for Suicide Prevention, now reach more than 7.5 million Veterans nationwide.
Military & Veterans News
VA invites Veterans, public to attend Memorial Day ceremonies at 130+ VA national cemeteries
Today, VA announced that it will host Memorial Day ceremonies at more than 130 national cemeteries to commemorate those who made the ultimate sacrifice for their nation.
Military & Veterans News
Studies show VA health care is better than or equal to non-VA health care
The Journal of General Internal Medicine and the Journal of the American College of Surgeons published articles based on a systematic review of studies about VA health care, concluding VA health care is consistently as good as — or better than — non-VA health care.
Military & Veterans News
Veterans and survivors have filed more than 500,000 toxic exposure-related benefits claims under the PACT Act
More than 3 million Veterans have received toxic exposure screenings since President Biden signed PACT into law
Military & Veterans News
VA to host cross-country march honoring veterans and service members during ‘Memorial May’
VA encourages volunteers to join cross-country march honoring veterans and service members during ‘Memorial May’
Military & Veterans News
VA, NIH launch study of Gulf War Illness
Today, the Department of Veterans Affairs and National Institutes of Health began a joint, five-year study that aims to explain the chronic symptoms of Gulf War Illness. The study may lead to more definitive diagnostic criteria for Gulf War Illness, development of new diagnostic testing, and potential treatments.
Military & Veterans News
VA and AFGE reach tentative agreement to better serve Veterans and support VA employees
Today, VA reached a tentative agreement with the American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE) — the union that represents more than 291,000 Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) employees – on a master bargaining agreement.
Military & Veterans News
VA waives copayments for eligible Native American and Alaska Native Veterans
Today, the Department of Veterans Affairs announced that eligible American Indian and Alaska Native Veterans are no longer required to make copayments for health care and urgent care received through VA.
Military & Veterans News
VA reaches $1 Billion in grants awarded to states, territories, and Tribes for Veteran cemeteries
This month, VA’s National Cemetery Administration awarded its billionth dollar to states, U.S. territories, and Tribes for the establishment, expansion, improvement, and maintenance of state, territorial, and Tribal Veterans cemeteries.
Military & Veterans News
New VA Mission Statement recognizes sacred commitment to all Veterans, their families, caregivers, and survivors
WASHINGTON — Today, the Department of Veterans Affairs announced an updated version of its 1959 mission statement. The new mission statement is: “To fulfill President Lincoln’s promise to care for those who have served in our nation’s military and for their families, caregivers, and survivors.”
Military & Veterans News
VA increases maximum life insurance coverage for Veterans and service members by $100,000
WASHINGTON — Today, the Biden-Harris administration released the president’s budget for fiscal year 2024. This budget proposes critical resources to help VA serve all Veterans, their families, caregivers, and survivors as well as they have served their country.
Military & Veterans News
VA relaxes masking requirements at medical facilities
WASHINGTON, DC — Today, the Department of Veterans Affairs announced it has relaxed the masking requirement at VA medical facilities. This update ensures the safety of Veterans while accommodating individual masking preferences and aligning with CDC guidelines.
Military & Veterans News
Winners revealed in VA’s $20M Mission Daybreak Grand Challenge to reduce Veteran suicides
WASHINGTON — Today, the Department of Veterans Affairs announced the 10 winners of Mission Daybreak, a $20 million grand challenge aimed at developing innovations to reduce Veteran suicides.
Military & Veterans News
VA housed more than 40,000 homeless Veterans in 2022
WASHINGTON — During 2022, the Department of Veterans Affairs permanently housed 40,401 homeless Veterans, providing them with the safe, stable homes that they deserve. This exceeded the department’s goal to house 38,000 Veterans in 2022 by 6.3%.
Military & Veterans News
Veterans in suicidal crisis can go to any VA or non-VA health care facility for free emergency health care
WASHINGTON – Starting Jan. 17, Veterans in acute suicidal crisis will be able to go to any VA or non-VA health care facility for emergency health care at no cost – including inpatient or crisis residential care for up to 30 days and outpatient care for up to 90 days. Veterans do not need to be enrolled in the VA system to use this benefit.
Military & Veterans News
VA reaches 1M Veterans in military exposure screenings
WASHINGTON — The Department of Veterans Affairs marks a historic milestone by screening 1 million Veterans for military exposures as part of the PACT Act signed into law Aug. 10.
Military & Veterans News
VA will begin processing PACT Act benefits claims for all Veterans and survivors
WASHINGTON — On Jan. 1, 2023, the Department of Veterans Affairs will begin processing PACT Act benefit claims for all Veterans and their survivors.
Military & Veterans News
VA to begin processing PACT Act benefits claims immediately for terminally ill Veterans
WASHINGTON — Today, the Department of Veterans Affairs announced it will begin processing PACT Act benefits claims for eligible terminally ill Veterans.
Military & Veterans News
VA continues aggressive hiring push to deliver PACT ACT care and benefits
WASHINGTON — The Department of Veterans Affairs is hiring qualified individuals to join the benefits team as VA begins processing PACT Act claims starting in January 2023.These new VA employees will help ensure Veterans and survivors get the PACT Act-related benefits they’ve earned in a timely manner.
Military & Veterans News
VA will launch new life insurance program in January, making life insurance available to more Veterans than ever before
WASHINGTON — On Jan. 1, 2023, the Department of Veterans Affairs will open enrollment for Veterans Affairs Life Insurance — the first new VA life insurance program for Veterans in more than 50 years — extending VALife access to millions of Veterans.