Category Archives: Benefits

Critics rip VA for increased claims backlog

The number of veterans’ disability claims taking more than four months to complete has doubled, prompting criticism from veterans and Congress that the Veterans Affairs Department failed to prepare for a rise in cases it knew was coming.

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Troops near Japan reactors get hardship pay

U.S. troops in Japan working near the damaged Fukushima Dai-ichi nuclear plant are eligible for hardship duty pay, Pentagon officials said.

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New disability evaluation system goes worldwide

The Pentagon and Veterans Affairs Departments are “moving aggressively” to put in place a new, faster, simpler disability evaluation system for wounded warriors at 141 military installations in the U.S. and abroad.

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DoD unveils web-based transition toolkit

The Defense Department rolled out the second phase of a major overhaul of its transition assistance website Tuesday with the release of an online “Career Decision Toolkit.” The toolkit “will allow service members to self-assess transition needs and thoroughly explore … Continue reading

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Snafus hinder veterans’ care, study says

A program to help coordinate life-long care for the most severely wounded veterans of the Iraq and Afghanistan wars may not be getting to all the people who need it because of poor communication between the Pentagon and the Department … Continue reading

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Tricare Help: Troops can’t prevent eligible family members from receiving benefits

Answering your questions on Tricare.

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Young: More pay for troops who lose genitals

Benefits rates for service members who suffer traumatic injuries to their genitals are under review by Defense and Veterans Affairs department officials in the wake of complaints from a key lawmaker.

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TBI vet caregivers would be eligible for help

Family caregivers of service members who have suffered traumatic brain injury would be eligible for more support under proposed regulations, Veterans Affairs Department officials clarified Friday.

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Marine Master Gunnery Sgt. Charles Padilla honored for run across U.S.

Marine Master Gunnery Sgt. Charles Padilla was recently honored for running 3,530 miles across country in 64 days to raise money for fellow wounded Marines.

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Tricare Help: Retiree-to-be may register with DEERS as spouse

Answering your questions on Tricare.

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