What We’re Reading
Is the VA Lying About Capacity to Protect a Good Ole Boy System?
By Matthew Feehan, J.D. in Townhall
Most veterans agree that the process to obtain benefits through the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) after returning home with a service-connected disability is more onerous than necessary. It can be confusing, frustrating, and discouraging to have your claim rejected and not know why.
California bill would restrict veterans’ access to federal benefits
By Manuel Rosales in Capitol Weekly
States should be able to pass laws impacting their citizens, especially while the U.S. Congress remains in constant gridlock. However, one urgent matter that needs more attention pertains to how some states, now including California, are meddling in the federal system over disability benefits for veterans.
Opinion: Veterans’ right to choose care must be carefully protected
By Travis Mills in the Portland Press Herald
A bill before the Legislature could restrict veterans' access to specialized private services, an invaluable source of support.
Opinion: Protect the Well-Being of Missouri’s Veterans
By Dr. William Scott Magil in The Missouri Times
Ensuring the well-being of our veterans is one of the most sacred honors with which our lawmakers are entrusted. These men and women have laid everything on the line for the safety of the Freedom and Liberty we and our nation enjoy – often at considerable personal cost. It’s not just a matter of policy but a moral imperative to support those who have served the United States with such honor and sacrifice.
Opinion: Missouri legislation hurts veterans more than it helps
By Wes Martin in St. Louis Post-Dispatch
In trying to solve a problem on caring for veterans, Missouri’s state Legislature is on track to create a bigger one.
Local View: Helping those who served
By Bill Dieckman in the Lincoln Journal Star
Addressing the well-being of the more than 106,000 courageous individuals living in Nebraska who have served in the military, defending our nation and championing freedom, poses challenges that go back not just decades but to the Revolutionary War at our nation’s founding.
Column: Virginia, don’t further complicate veterans’ disability benefits
By Scott Vadnais in The Virginian-Pilot
When I retired from the Air Force nearly 20 years ago and settled in Virginia, I did what many friends did and filed for Veterans Administration (VA) disability, having suffered from injuries during 22 years of active duty worldwide.
A Better Way To Help Arizona’s Veterans
By Lori Klein in The Arizona Daily Independent
As a former Arizona State Senator, I can attest that one of the first and foremost responsibilities of our elected officials is to provide and care for our veterans. Given their service and sacrifice in protecting the United States, often at great personal risk, my colleagues and I felt a moral and ethical obligation to watch over these individuals who had served our country in such a profound way.
Virginia’s Veterans Deserve Better
By Jack Yoest in The Virginia Star
Private businesses play an indispensable role in supporting our veterans, filling critical gaps. By bringing specialized expertise and resources to complement the VA’s efforts, they provide timely and reassuring comprehensive assistance for veterans.
Florida, stay out of US veteran disability claims | Opinion
By Joe Meyers in the Palm Beach Post
States acting unilaterally to undercut what would logically appear to fall under federal jurisdiction seems to be all the rage these days.
American Legion Signals Compromise in Battle Over Veteran Disability Benefits
By Wes Martin in Townhall
One of America’s longest running inside-the-beltway battles on domestic policy took a turn for the better last month with the American Legion showing leadership among Veteran Service Organizations (VSOs) over who can help millions of veterans file disability claims.
VSOs Should Back a PLUS Act That Gives Vets Options
By David Cook in Stars and Stripes
Disabled veterans are not stupid. Why are some members of Congress and even some Veteran Service Organizations acting like they are?
Veterans Shouldn’t Face New Restrictions on Filing Disability Claims
By Donald Logar in The Defense Post
Veterans should be able to easily and quickly access benefits, yet since 2019, there have been concerted efforts in Washington to complicate the VA claims process.
Scott Brown: Platitudes don’t fix the problem, NH veterans need solutions
By Scott Brown in New Hampshire Union Leader
DOING RIGHT by America’s veterans requires providing more freedom and flexibility for their health care options. Unfortunately, some in Congress, including U.S. Representative Chris Pappas (D-NH), are moving in the opposite direction and pushing misguided legislation that would restrict rather than expand veteran choice.
DeRoche: Help veterans access mental health care
By Craig DeRoche in The Detroit News
Michigan is blessed to have some of the most patriotic Americans in the country call our state home. More than 532,000 veterans live in the Wolverine State, and as one of the top 20 destinations for military retirees in the country we should pride ourselves on the community that heroes who served our country have chosen to build here.
Kennedy introduces bill to help veterans maximize disability benefits, punish fraudsters
Louisiana US Senator John Kennedy Press Release
WASHINGTON – Sen. John Kennedy (R-La.) today introduced the Preserving Lawful Utilization of Services (PLUS) for Veterans Act of 2023 to help veterans access the greatest benefits from the Department of Veteran’s Affairs (VA) health care system by preserving their right to work with private groups when filing claims.
PLUS for Veterans Act is an overdue step forward for veterans' benefits
By Roger Champ in Stars & Stripes
When we look back on our nation's history, our gaze often falls upon the conflicts we've weathered.
Congress should not restrict care for veterans — deficit be damned
BY PRESTON MCLAUGHLIN IN THE HILL
As the national debt ceiling negotiations in Washington reached a fever pitch again this year, health care for veterans took center stage.
Doing Right By Our Veterans With Meaningful VA Reforms
By George Landrith in Townhall
There have been long standing problems and challenges for many of our nation’s veterans obtaining needed VA benefits. These veterans — brave and patriotic men and women — have sacrificed much for our country, and we owe them the highest levels of care and support upon returning to civilian life.
Illinois Veterans Need Relief from the VA Backlog
By Hon. Michael P. Flanagan in the Illinois Review.
The numbers of veterans in need and eligible for veterans’ benefits is at the highest level since the Vietnam Era, and growing daily.