Department-of-Veterans-Affairs
VA veterans crisis line to face new investigation by congressional watchdog agency
WASHINGTON — The Government Accountability Office plans to investigate multiple whistleblower allegations of “gross mismanagement” at the Department of Veterans Affairs veterans crisis line, following a request from Kansas Republican Sen. Jerry Moran, States Newsroom has learned. Moran, ranking member on the Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee, sent a letter to the VA secretary this week […]
New Biden campaign ad highlights the PACT Act on Veterans Day weekend
A new Biden-Harris campaign ad highlights the PACT Act on Veterans' Day weekend, which made it easier for veterans exposed to burn pits to receive benefits.
Veterans’ health care coverage expanded by Biden administration
Five changes to expand veterans’ benefits will include the VA speeding up coverage for burn pit exposure that was part of a bipartisan law passed last year.
VA reports major uptick in veterans’ care after passage of toxic exposure law
The PACT Act provides that roughly two dozen chronic conditions and illnesses are presumed to be caused by breathing toxins from open burn pits or exposure to other hazards, including Agent Orange and radiation.
Government shutdown won’t affect health care or most benefits for veterans, VA says
Veterans who rely on government health care and other assistance can continue to see their doctors and receive education and pension benefits.
PACT Act in one year aided 340,000 ailing veterans and survivors, Biden says
WASHINGTON — One of the “most significant laws ever signed to help veterans” has already assisted over 340,000 former service members and their survivors seeking care for illnesses and cancers now presumed to be connected to open burn pits and other toxins, President Joe Biden said in Utah on Thursday as he marked one year […]
Veterans exposed to burn pits, toxins urged to apply for retroactive benefits
WASHINGTON — A deadline for a year’s worth of backdated benefits is fast approaching for U.S. veterans suffering illnesses after exposure to open burn pits, Agent Orange and other toxins. Nearly a year ago, President Joe Biden signed the PACT Act, a law supporters describe as the largest expansion of veteran benefits in U.S. history. […]
U.S. House spending bill for the VA renews fight over abortion access, transgender care
WASHINGTON — U.S. House Republicans approved their first government spending bill Thursday, following tense debate about whether the Department of Veterans Affairs should provide abortions in limited circumstances and the GOP’s decision to cut military construction funding. The 219-211 mostly party-line vote on the Military Construction-VA appropriations bill sends the measure to the Senate, where […]
Casey campaign gets a boost from Pennsylvania veterans’ coalition
A coalition of veterans from across Pennsylvania, including current and former members of the state’s Congressional delegation, have come out in support of U.S. Sen. Bob Casey’s reelection campaign. Veterans for Casey includes more than two dozen veteran leaders. “Our government has a sacred duty to care for my fellow veterans,” U.S. Rep. Chris Deluzio […]
‘We should not fear a government shutdown’: Far-right U.S. House members slam spending bills
WASHINGTON — A handful of ultra-conservative U.S. House Republicans rebuked their leadership on Tuesday over the annual government funding process, but appeared at odds on whether they should force a government shutdown later this year. Arizona Rep. Andy Biggs at a news conference mostly ruled out a funding lapse, though Virginia Rep. Bob Good left […]
VA to host town halls nationwide and Pa., for vets exposed to toxic substances
More than 90 VA facilities around the country, including sites in Philadelphia and Pittsburgh, are slated to hold in-person sessions.
Thousands of veterans deluge VA with claims for toxic exposure benefits, health care
The VA is hiring more employees to provide health care and process applications. But a short-term backlog still is expected.