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August 2024 Veteran News: House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs Announcements, VA Redesigns and Expands Burn Pit Registry, How to Avoid DBQ Fraud Scams, and Brooke Oachs Transition Journey
Welcome back to the Mil2Vet news thread, where we keep you updated on the latest news and resources available for our veterans. This week, we have significant updates regarding the House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs’ concerns about the VA’s operations, changes to the VA’s Burn Pit Registry, and critical information on avoiding DBQ fraud scams. Let’s dive in!
House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs Announcement
House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs Chairman Mike Bost (R-Ill.) released a second letter he sent to Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Secretary Denis McDonough about the lack of transparency from the department surrounding the implementation of the Biden-Harris administration’s Executive Order (EO) 14019, “Promoting Access to Voting.” VA had announced that it was partnering with Michigan, Pennsylvania, and Kentucky to operate as a “voter registration agency” for the first time ever, at the direction of EO 14019. However, based on the Chairman’s investigation and despite VA’s lack of transparency, it appears that the Commonwealth of Kentucky is not partnering with VA. Without any explanations or answers to the Chairman’s inquiries, it appears that VA is conducting voter registration activities in two states, and two states only: Pennsylvania and Michigan.
Chairman Bost stated, “VA’s sole mission should be serving veterans, their families, and their survivors – period. But under Joe Biden’s leadership, it appears that the Biden-Harris Campaign is directly using VA and its resources, at a time when VA is facing a $14.8 billion dollar budget shortfall, to promote voter registration activities in two states which are repeatedly labeled as key battleground states that could determine the outcome of the 2024 presidential election. This is happening at the same time when VA continues to hide the ball and repeatedly refuses to provide more information to Congress to answer legitimate questions on its operations as a voter registration agency.”
These concerns come at a critical time as veterans face challenges such as denied community care referrals for healthcare, difficulty in obtaining exams for disability benefits, and a lack of accountability for VA leaders who are not prioritizing veterans’ needs. This situation underscores the need for the administration to realign its focus and resources to serve veterans effectively.
For more information, visit the full article on Veterans House Committee.
VA Redesigns and Expands Burn Pit Registry
The VA has announced significant changes to its Burn Pit Registry, designed to enhance the monitoring and support of veterans exposed to burn pits. The redesigned registry will now offer more comprehensive data collection and improved user experience. This expansion aims to better address the health concerns of veterans who have been exposed to toxic substances during their service.
For more information on these changes and how to participate in the registry, visit the VA website.
How to Avoid DBQ Fraud Scams
Due to the rise of Disability Benefits Questionnaires (DBQs) scams, VA wants to ensure Veterans—including those who choose to have their private health care provider complete a DBQ—are appropriately equipped with the information they need to submit DBQs successfully. A DBQ is a streamlined medical examination form designed to collect medical evidence relevant to a claim for benefits. DBQs allow Veterans to submit medical evidence from their health care provider to support their claims for disability benefits. Veterans are entitled to a no-cost disability examination by VA if an examination is deemed necessary to decide the claim for benefits.
The VA has raised concerns about individuals and companies marketing the service of completing DBQs, often at a high cost to veterans. The VA advises veterans to be cautious of companies advertising special relationships with medical professionals or guarantees of benefits awards. These services can be expensive and unnecessary, as VA and its Contract Examination vendors provide necessary examinations without hidden fees. VA emphasizes the importance of using trained VHA and VA Contract Examiners, who help reduce claims processing time by increasing access to examinations.
Before attending an examination and/or having a medical professional complete a DBQ, VA encourages Veterans to become familiar with the guidance provided:
- VA values evidence from a Veteran’s private treatment provider(s) because they are familiar with the Veteran’s medical history, often over a long period.
- VHA and VA Contract Examiners are trained to conduct C&P disability examinations without costs or hidden fees.
- A VA Claims Processor determines if a C&P exam is needed and whether it will be performed by a VHA Examiner or a Contract Examiner.
For more information on avoiding DBQ fraud scams, visit the full article on the VA website.
Episode 79: Brooke Ochas | Mil2Vet | ReturnToRoots Podcast:
Last Friday, we had an inspiring episode with Brooke Ochas, who shared valuable insights and experiences. If you missed it, be sure to catch up on this engaging conversation.
Brooke Oachs joins us to share her transition from active duty to veteran to Reserve Recruiter. Brooke’s experience highlights the resilience and adaptability required to navigate multiple transitions within military and civilian life.
Connect with Brooke On LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brooke-oachs-4862bb266
For more information, visit the full episode on YouTube, Spotify, and Rumble.
Stay tuned for more updates, and thank you for your continued support and service. For more details, subscribe to the Mil2Vet newsletter at mil2vet.com.
Veteran News Conclusion
Stay tuned for more updates, and thank you for your continued support and service. For more details and to stay informed about the latest news impacting our veteran community, subscribe to the Mil2Vet newsletter at mil2vet.com.
Veterans’ Series Forum
Join us online for the Virtual Series Wednesday August 21st 6-7PM PST
The monthly Virtual Veterans’ Series Forum brings veterans, speakers and topics to help with all aspects of challenges and different roads faced by the veteran community.
From organizations to well-known speakers, podcasters, and other veterans. Our mission is to have veterans’ voices heard, bring about changes to the medical process, and improve the claims process.
Along with educating both veterans and veteran ambassadors alike. Here to be a place of support for one’s overall well-being.
If you are looking for resources, connections, or a safe space to share your story then join us!
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