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July 2014

Groups sue VA over rules on PTSD claims for sexual trauma

July 31, 2014

By Patricia Kime
Military Times Staff writer
Jul. 30, 2014 - 02:19 PM

Two advocacy groups are suing the Veterans Affairs Department for what they say are the department’s discriminatory practices regarding compensation claims related to service-connected sexual assault.

McDonald confirmed as new VA secretary

July 30, 2014

By Leo Shane III
Military Times Staff writer
Jul. 29, 2014 - 05:08 PM

It’s been a quick courtship for Bob McDonald — and there will be no honeymoon.

In less than a month, the 61-year-old McDonald has gone from relative obscurity within the veterans community to the man charged with saving the Veterans Affairs Department. The Senate voted 97-0 on Tuesday to confirm him as the new VA secretary, with marching orders to start that work right away.

Consumer Financial Protection Bureau and 13 State Attorneys General Obtain About $92 Million in Debt Relief for Servicemembers Harmed By Predatory Lending Scheme

July 29, 2014
Rome Finance and Owners Permanently Banned from Consumer Lending After Deceiving About 17,000 Servicemembers and Other Consumers
 

VA Announces New Clinic at Devils Lake

July 23, 2014

Tuesday, July 22, 2014

The Fargo VA Health Care System is pleased to announce the opening of a new VA Community Based Outpatient Clinic in Devils Lake, North Dakota on Tuesday, August 19, 2014. The location of the new VA clinic is at the Devils Lake Mercy Hospital, 1031 7th St NE, Devils Lake, North Dakota.

A ribbon cutting ceremony and open house will be held on Monday, August 18, 2014, at 1:00 p.m. at the clinic. The public is invited.

North Dakota’s Impact-Support our Veterans Fund receives $5,000 donation from the West Fargo Based “Toppers Custom Car Club”

July 22, 2014

The Toppers car club, established in 1953, is a non-profit club which hosts the West Fargo “Cruise Night” every third Thursday during the summer months and the annual “Rod and Custom Car show” every spring at the West Fargo Veterans Arena.

Injured veterans program in danger

July 21, 2014

By Martin Matishak - 07/19/14 11:14 AM EDT

A program that allows veterans with traumatic brain injuries to receive treatment in assisted living facilities is in danger of closing down.

With only two weeks to go before the August recess, Congress has yet to take action on legislation that would renew the pilot program before it expires on Sept. 30.

Acting VA Secretary: It Will Take Years Before Department Changes

July 18, 2014

By
National Journal
July 16, 2014

Sloan Gibson says the agency can turn the corner in two years, but it will need a lot more money.

For anyone still under the impression that the embattled Veterans Affairs Department will be able to turn itself around quickly, think again.

Instead, acting VA Secretary Sloan Gibson told members of the Senate Veterans' Affairs Committee on Wednesday that it would take years for the department to right its wrongs.

VA asks for $18B to hire medical staff, lease space

July 17, 2014

By Leo Shane III
Military Times Staff writer
Jul. 16, 2014 - 08:08PM

Veterans Affairs Department officials want nearly $18 billion more in funding over the next three years to hire more clinicians, lease more space and cut down on wait times for medical appointments.

The money is also partly designed to serve as a down payment on rebuilding VA’s reputation, proving to the public that with enough resources, the department can once again be a reliable asset for veterans seeking care.

Make July 16 matter

July 16, 2014
July 15, 2014
by Holly Petraeus, Assistant Director for Servicemember Affairs
 
In case you haven’t heard, Military Consumer Protection Day (MCPD) is on July 16th this year. If you’re not familiar with MCPD, this is a great chance to learn about the organizations and resources that can help you protect and grow your hard-earned military pay or veterans benefits.

Report cites VA struggles with benefits paid to veterans

July 14, 2014

Gregg Zoroya, USA TODAY
12:28 a.m. EDT July 14, 2014

The federal department responsible for caring for America's veterans, already mired in scandal over delays in health care, continues struggling with another major responsibility: paying compensation to those wounded or injured or who grew ill from service in uniform.

While the VA managed last year to reduce a huge backlog in veteran claims for money, it was at the expense of appeals to those decision which are rapidly mounting, according to testimony slated for Monday by the VA Office of Inspector General.

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