UPDATE: SENATORS DEMAND INVESTIGATION INTO DELIBERATE MISDIAGNOSIS OF PTSD (05-17-08)   Akaka, Burr and Obama all want an investigation into VA employee's email suggesting mental health workers not diagnose PTSD.

UPDATE: CBS NAMES VA EMPLOYEE WHO SUGGESTED AVOIDING PTSD DIAGNOSIS (05-16-08)   Norma J. Perez, a PTSD program coordinator and psychologist at the VA in Temple, Texas, sent email that encouraged deliberate misdiagnosis.

EMAIL FROM VA EMPLOYEE SUGGESTS AVOIDING PTSD DIAGNOSIS (05-16-08)   VA Secretary Peake repudiates employee's "suggestion," calling it "inappropriate."

SEN. AKAKA INVOKES OVERSIGHT AUTHORITY TO GET TRUE VET SUICIDE NUMBERS FROM VA (05-16-08)   Senate Vets' Chair: "We will not know the true cost of war until we know the true rate of suicides among veterans."

VA'S BOGUS AWARD: RATES VA PERFORMANCE REPORT ON READABILITY, NOT ACCURACY OF CONTENT (05-16-08)   Mercatus Center: "The purpose...is to ascertain how well agency reports inform the public...It is not intended to evaluate the quality of the actual results..."

SEN. JIM WEBB'S PROFILE RISING AS G.I. BILL BATTLE RAGES (05-15-08)   "This is his legacy already. He is going to become a national figure for service members and military families."

DEMS QUASH GOP AMBUSH TO ADOPT McCAIN'S WEAK ALTERNATIVE TO G.I. BILL (05-15-08)   "I wanted to see if we could work on good faith for once without the Republicans playing petty politics. Obviously we can't do that."

PTSD DOESN'T MERIT PURPLE HEART, SAYS MOPH (05-15-08)   Military Order of the Purple Heart: "MOPH takes issue with recent attempts to degrade the basic requirements and considerations for the award to include diagnosed illness..."

LAWSUIT AGAINST THE VA: WHAT THE VETERANS WANT (05-14-08)   Vets file a Proposed Order Granting Declaratory and Injunctive Relief. See exactly what vets want the Court to order.

AFGE LAUNCHES NATIONWIDE AD CAMPAIGN FOR FULL AND MANDATORY VA FUNDING (05-13-08)   Union representing VA workers is urging elected officials not to privatize VA healthcare. Ads target Sen. McCain's "VA Card" promise.

WAR DEAD CREMATED AT FACILITY FOR PETS (05-11-08)   Pentagon officials said they do not think that human remains and animal remains were ever commingled at the facility.

VIDEO: CNN'S LOU DOBBS CALLS IMPEACHMENT "APPROPRIATE REMEDY" IF BUSH VETOES NEW G.I. BILL (05-10-08)   From Lou Dobbs Tonight on CNN, Friday, May 9, 2008.

REPORT: VA NOW ACCEPTING CLAIMS FOR HYPERTENSION LINKED TO AGENT ORANGE EXPOSURE (05-10-08)   Will determine service-connected status at a later date, but claims are expected to be approved.

UPDATE: VETS' ATTORNEY ANALYZES "BLUE WATER NAVY" DECISION (05-10-08)   "It is a sad day...because the VA...will now be able to continue to deny benefits to deserving veterans who are suffering the effects of Agent Orange exposure."

UPDATE: "BLUE WATER NAVY" DECISION TO BE APPEALED (05-09-08)   National Veterans Legal Services Program intends to appeal this decision, which adversely affects all Blue Water Vietnam veterans.

VA FLIP-FLOPS ON VOTER REGISTRATION, GOES BACK TO "NOT HERE" POLICY (05-09-08)   "VA's decision, during wartime, to block voter registration for our hospitalized veterans is shameful, outrageous and despicable."

U.S. DEPLOYS MORE THAN 43,000 GIs UNFIT FOR COMBAT (05-09-08)   "They are repeatedly exposed to high-intensity combat with insufficient time at home to rest and heal before redeploying."

"BLUE WATER NAVY" VETERANS LOSE CASE IN U.S. COURT OF APPEALS (05-08-08)   Offshore Vietnam vets will not get presumptive benefits for exposure to Agent Orange. VA's "Boots on the Ground" rule stands.

VA RESEARCH: IBUPROFEN LINKED TO REDUCED RISK OF ALZHEIMER'S DISEASE (05-08-08)   The study found veterans who specifically used ibuprofen for more than five years were more than 40% less likely to develop Alzheimer's disease.

VIDEO: BOB FILNER SAYS VA IS GUILTY OF CRIMINAL NEGLIGENCE (05-07-08)   From CBS Evening News with Katie Couric, Tuesday, May 6, 2008.

BOB FILNER ACCUSES VA OF CRIMINAL NEGLIGENCE, BUT WHAT WILL HE DO ABOUT IT? (05-07-08)   House Vets' Chair has history of inflammatory language when describing VA practices. Will he act on this allegation, or is he just trying to get a headline in an election year?

SECURITY CLEARANCE DECEPTION by Larry Scott (05-07-08)   Pentagon's new policy leads troops to believe that mental health issues will have no bearing on getting a security clearance. Nothing could be further from the truth.

WHY ISN'T CONGRESS INTERESTED IN SUPPORTING "BLUE WATER NAVY" VETERANS? (05-06-08)  Offshore Vietnam vets still looking to find sponsor for bill granting fair compensation.

A PURPLE HEART FOR PTSD? (05-05-08)   Army psychologist makes controversial proposal even though PTSD does not meet regulatory requirements for medal.

WEBB'S NEW G.I. BILL GAINS MOMENTUM AS McCAIN'S OFFERING FINDS LIMITED SUPPORT (05-03-08)   Webb spokeswoman: "We still think our bill is the gold standard and should go forward with the highest possible number of benefits possible."

SEC DEF ACKNOWLEDGES MISTAKES IN TREATMENT OF TROOPS (05-02-08)   Gates: "I know that the department is not perfect and mistakes have been, and will be made. Things happen too slowly."

VAOIG REPORT: VETS WITH BRAIN INJURY STILL NOT GETTING PROPER CARE (05-02-08)   "Significant needs remain unmet," according to the report released by the VA's Office of Inspector General.

VA CHANGES POLICY ON HELPING VETERANS REGISTER TO VOTE (05-02-08)   The new rules reverse a years-long policy where the VA opposed helping patients and others living on VA campuses, notably homeless veterans, with voter registration.

PENTAGON CHANGES SECURITY CLEARANCE QUESTION ON MENTAL HEALTH (05-02-08)   "There was no reason to be concerned about seeking mental health counseling from a security clearance standpoint. Answering yes has never been a sole reason...for denying a security clearance."

UPDATE: VIDEO - FORT BRAGG INCIDENT PROMPTS WORLDWIDE BARRACKS INSPECTION (05-01-08)   From the CBS Evening News with Katie Couric, Wednesday, April 30, 2008.

UPDATE: VA TRIAL CONCLUDES WITH CONTRASTING VIEWS OF VETERAN CARE (05-01-08)   The judge is questioning how much authority he has to order changes in the VA, even if he finds deficiencies.

STUDY: STIGMA STILL A BARRIER FOR MILITARY MEMBERS AND SPOUSES SEEKING MENTAL HEALTH CARE (05-01-08)   61% think it will have negative impact on career. 53% believe others will think less of them.

UPDATE: MILITARY RESPONDS TO FOUL CONDITIONS AT FORT BRAGG BARRACKS (04-30-08)   "...We let our soldiers down, and that's not like us. That's not how we want America's sons and daughters to live, and there's no good excuse for what happened."

PSYCHIATRIC CONCLAVE TO FOCUS ON VETERAN AND MILITARY MENTAL HEALTH ISSUES (04-30-08)   Military-focused sessions will include top military officials and experts from across the psychiatric field.

OLD AND IN THE WAY (04-28-08)   As the "new vets" from Iraq and Afghanistan, just 2% of the veteran population, are given priority at the VA, the other 98% find themselves pushed to the rear of the line, now the forgotten of previous conflicts.

VIDEO: FORT BRAGG BARRACKS A NATIONAL DISGRACE (04-27-08)     Peeling paint, mildew, clogged drains and sewage covering the floor are just some of the problems. (with news story)

VIDEO: MORE EMAILS SHOW VA DID COVER UP VETERAN SUICIDE NUMBERS (04-26-08)   From CBS Evening News with Katie Couric, Friday, April 25, 2008.

TAX REBATE CHECKS TO ARRIVE A WEEK EARLIER NOW (04-26-08)   Rebate program ahead of schedule. See when your check should arrive.

UPDATE: AT TRIAL, VA OFFICIAL DENIES SUICIDE NUMBERS COVER UP (04-26-08)   Also, Dr. Michael Kussman makes strange statement reinforcing stigma of mental illness.

DAV CALLS VA'S "NEW VETS" OUTREACH PROGRAM "A GRIEVOUS DISSERVICE TO ALL VETERANS" (04-26-08)   Program reinforces "...the perception that the VA is evolving into a two-tiered system...one that pays relatively scant attention to veterans from previous generations..."

ATTORNEY LEADING LAWSUIT KNOWS ABOUT BATTLING THE VA (04-25-08)   Gordon Erspamer has a chip on his shoulder and is the VA's worst nightmare. Erspamer knows about the VA's long delays, endless appeals and slow response: his father was an "atomic test vet."

VA TO CALL ALL "NEW VETS" AND NOTIFY THEM OF AVAILABLE BENEFITS (04-25-08)   Outreach targets OEF / OIF veterans only. VA Secretary Peake: "We will reach out...to let them know we are here for them."

VIDEO: DR. MICHAEL DEBAKEY CALLS VA THE MODEL FOR HEALTHCARE REFORM (04-25-08)   99-year-old surgeon lectures President and Congress at Congressional Gold Medal ceremony, citing VA healthcare as the model for reforming Medicare and Medicaid. (news story included)

UPDATE: VA'S VistA COMPUTER SYSTEM DIEING OF STARVATION AND NEGLECT (04-24-08)   Ironically the VA has turned its back on VistA just as the commercial market is showing interest in open source health care tools.

DISABLED VETS AND SENIORS CAN STILL FILE FOR TAX REBATE (04-24-08)   Those who qualify must file a return by October 15 to receive an economic stimulus payment this year.

UPDATE: McCAIN AND REPUBLICANS OFFER THEIR VERSION OF A NEW G.I. BILL (04-23-08)
McCain's version called a "pale shadow" of new G.I. Bill offered by Sen. Jim Webb.

UPDATE: SEN. AKAKA JOINS CALL TO OUST VA OFFICIAL (04-23-08)   Akaka on Dr. Ira Katz: "I believe veterans, and the Department of Veterans Affairs, would be best served by his immediate resignation."

UPDATE: VA "CLASS-ACTION" LAWSUIT NOT A CLASS ACTION AT ALL (04-23-08)   The case was initially filed last July as a class action but the plaintiffs decided not to seek class certification.

DR. IRA KATZ NAMED TO VA WATCHDOG'S HALL OF SHAME (04-23-08)   For conduct unbecoming a human being.....

UPDATE: SEN. MURRAY CALLS FOR VA OFFICIAL'S RESIGNATION AFTER SUICIDE COVER-UP (04-23-08) Murray on Dr. Ira Katz: "Dr. Katz's irresponsible actions have been a disservice to our veterans and it is time for him to go."

VIDEO: VA CONCEALED VETERAN SUICIDE NUMBERS AND RISK, E-MAILS SHOW (04-22-08)   From CBS Evening News with Katie Couric, Monday, April 21, 2008.

VA DELIBERATELY CONCEALED SUICIDE NUMBERS AND RISK, INTERNAL E-MAILS SHOW (04-22-08)   E-mails from Dr. Ira Katz, VA's mental health chief, show 18 vets a day commit suicide and four to five of them are in VA care.

TALKING VETERANS DOWN FROM DESPAIR (04-22-08)   VA suicide hotline has received more than 37,200 calls and made more than 720 rescues -- sending out emergency responders all over the country to find someone on a bridge, with a gun in his hand, with a stomach full of pills.

FIGHTING THE FERES DOCTRINE: SEEKING RECOURSE FOR MILITARY MEDICAL MALPRACTICE (04-21-08)   Outrage over a recent spate of incidents spurs fresh efforts to overturn the Feres doctrine, a 1950 Supreme Court decision denying active-duty service members the right to sue over medical errors. (with Video)

VETERANS' CLASS-ACTION LAWSUIT AGAINST VA GOES TO TRIAL (04-21-08)   Claims VA isn't doing enough to prevent suicide and provide adequate mental health care for veterans.

UPDATE: DALLAS VA SENDS 15 PSYCHIATRIC PATIENTS TO WACO FACILITY IN WAKE OF SUICIDES (04-19-08)   "We are looking at the environment of care from a safety standpoint."

WHY ARE REFORMERS, LIKE REP. STEVE BUYER, DESTROYING THE VA'S HEALTH COMPUTER SYSTEM? (04-19-08)   "...Re-organization has been so massive...that I don't know if the VA has retained enough key personnel that understands how this all works to reverse course."

VIDEO: ARMY, RELUCTANTLY, RETHINKS TREATMENT OF SOLDIERS WITH PTSD (04-18-08)   From CBS Evening News with Katie Couric, Thursday, April 17, 2008.

VIDEO: VETERANS WITH INVISIBLE WOUNDS OF WAR REACH STAGGERING NUMBERS (04-18-08)   From ABC World News with Charles Gibson, Thursday, April 17, 2008.

NEW STUDY: 1 IN 5 RETURNING TROOPS SUFFER FROM PTSD OR MAJOR DEPRESSION (04-18-08)   Yet, only slightly more than half seek treatment fearing it will harm their careers And, study says 19% of troops report possible traumatic brain injury.

UPDATE: McCAIN SEEN AS KEY TO PASSING IMPORTANT BENEFITS LEGISLATION (04-17-08)   McCain has become the target of veterans groups pushing hard for more aid and relief for troops returning from conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan.

VA AND HUD TO PROVIDE PERMANENT SUPPORTIVE HOUSING FOR 10,000 HOMELESS VETERANS (04-17-08)   VA Secretary Peake: "We hope to build upon this effort soon with another step providing more case managers to support a marked increase in permanent housing units."

UPDATE: VETERAN RECALLS NIGHTMARISH CONDITIONS IN DALLAS VA PSYCH WARD (04-17-08)   Patients soiled with feces and soaked in urine wandered aimlessly, screaming, rolling delirious on the floor. "I was more traumatized after five days in the VA than I was when I was admitted."

McCAIN WON'T SUPPORT SENATOR WEBB'S NEW G.I. BILL (04-17-08)   Echoed concern voiced by some in the Pentagon who worry that the promise of full college tuition could entice many troops to leave the military sooner than they otherwise might.

SEC DEF NOT PLEASED WITH VA CARE FOR RETURNING TROOPS (04-16-08)   Gates: "My impression is, it's still uneven, in terms of implementation at the local level."

DALLAS VA CLOSES PSYCH UNIT AFTER FOURTH VET COMMITS SUICIDE THIS YEAR (04-15-08)   Vet's widow: "I blame the doctors. If he was a high-risk patient like they said, he should have been watched and monitored. They haven't called me to offer condolences. They won't even respond to me."

VA GRANTING MORE STRESS-RELATED CLAIMS TO VETERANS IN THEIR 80s (04-15-08)   World War II vets are finally seeking stress counseling and treatment, and filing for disability compensation.

VETERANS REJECTING CARE AT PRIVATIZED VA OUTPATIENT CLINICS (04-13-08)   Valor Healthcare gets a flat, per-patient rate. Vets claim, "...The more money they saved, the more money they made." Now, VA says they are "not satisfied" with Valor's performance.

VA'S FLAWED DECISION (04-13-08)   VA declares vet's liver was removed, which it wasn't and which would cause death, and then rates it at zero percent. But, there's more to this flawed decision. Veterans' Advocate Jim Strickland reports.

VETERANS' CHARITY FIRES COMMANDER WHO BLEW WHISTLE ON WASTEFUL SPENDING (04-12-08)   "They were incensed that I would tell the world how their donated money was being wasted," said Henry Cook, national commander of the Military Order of the Purple Heart.

VA MANDATE: NO VOTER REGISTRATION ON PREMISES (04-12-08)   Secretary Peake calls voter registration "partisan." Senators cry foul.

VA CREATES OFFICE TO DO WHAT IT SHOULD HAVE BEEN DOING: HIRING VETERANS (04-11-08)   Secretary Peake says VA sets example. Vets say they are stuck in low-paying, menial jobs.

THE VA'S "GOING GREEN" AT 16 FACILITIES (04-10-08)   Announces pilot sites for solar, wind and geothermal energy projects.

VIDEO: VETERANS OF TOP SECRET PROJECT SHAD STILL BEING DENIED BENEFITS (04-09-08)   Investigative report from KPIX, Channel 5, San Francisco.

UPDATE - VIDEO: VA CREDIT CARD USE - ABUSE OR BUSINESS AS USUAL? (04-09-08)   From CNN, Tuesday, April 8, 2008.

AKAKA INTRODUCES VETERANS' COMPENSATION EQUITY BILL (04-08-08)    Independent Budget provision would ensure a minimum 10% rating for all vets whose service-connected disability requires continuous treatment.

OPINION: ARE VA CREDIT CARD CHARGES GOVERNMENT WASTE OR MEDIA HYPE? (04-08-08)   Headlines a tasteless but successful attempt to tar the majority of employees with a brush that should be reserved for only a few.

WASHINGTON POST WINS SIX PULITZERS, ONE FOR COVERAGE OF WALTER REED SCANDAL (04-08-08)    Paper takes home the public service medal by documenting in vivid detail the substandard treatment and poor living conditions of wounded soldiers.

GOVERNMENT INVESTIGATES VA CREDIT CARD CHARGES (04-07-08)   VA employees racked up hundreds of thousands of dollars in government credit card bills at casino and luxury hotels, movie theaters and high-end retailers - and government auditors are investigating, citing past spending abuses.

ABC's BOB WOODRUFF AND TEAM WIN PEABODY AWARD FOR REPORTING ON VETERANS (04-06-08)   Woodruff and fellow journalists cited for "Wounds of War - The Long Road Home for Our Nation's Veterans."

ARMY WORRIED BY RISING STRESS OF RETURN TOURS TO IRAQ (04-06-08)   Army leaders are expressing increased alarm about the mental health of soldiers who would be sent back to the front again and again under plans that call for troop numbers to be sustained at high levels in Iraq for this year and beyond.

SENATOR PRESSES WHITE HOUSE ON HIRING VETS, AND DOESN'T LIKE THE RESPONSE (04-05-08)   Sen. Charles Grassley (R-IA) says the White House "attempted to change the subject and ignore my request."

SPECIAL SERIES - UNDERSTANDING THE VA CLAIMS PROCESS - PART 3 of 3 - SELECTING YOUR REPRESENTATIVE (04-04-08)   Veterans' Advocate Jim Strickland: "Unfortunately, Veterans' Service Officers aren't as well-regulated as plumbers..."

UPDATE: SENATORS INTRODUCE LEGISLATION TO IMPROVE CARE FOR WOMEN VETERANS (04-03-08)   Bill focuses on the need to improve care as the population of women veterans using the VA rapidly grows.

SPECIAL SERIES - UNDERSTANDING THE VA CLAIMS PROCESS - PART 2 of 3 - HOW THE STATE IS THERE TO HELP (04-03-08)   Veterans' Advocate Jim Strickland - "Before you can get help...you'll have to sort out who is who. You may need a scorecard for this exercise."

UPDATE: EDITORIAL CALLS FORMER VA SECRETARY PRINCIPI'S DEALINGS "A SERIOUS CONFLICT" (04-02-08)   "The VA-QTC case is so blatant that enough is enough. Taxpayers are tired of filling the pockets of bureaucrats."

SPECIAL SERIES - UNDERSTANDING THE VA CLAIMS PROCESS - PART 1 of 3 - THE VETERANS' SERVICE OFFICER (04-02-08)   Veterans' Advocate Jim Strickland: "All too often, the VSO representing you has no requirements for any...training or certification."

VET'S WIDOW GETS VA BENEFITS 20 YEARS AFTER HUSBAND'S DEATH (04-01-08)   VA finally rules Andrew Grimes' death was related to Agent Orange exposure.

UPDATE: MANY WOMEN VETERANS NOT HAPPY WITH VA SERVICES (03-31-08)   This, as bipartisan group of women Senators prepares bill to offer more to women vets.

VAOIG REPORT: EX-SECRETARY PRINCIPI'S FIRM, QTC, OVERCHARGED VA $6 MILLION (03-30-08)   The report also found evidence that the VA may still be paying too much to QTC for a variety of services on a multiyear contract.

CALL TO ACTION: BILL WOULD GIVE DENTAL BENEFITS TO ALL DISABLED VETS (03-29-08)   Have your elected Representative support H.R. 5595 which would give dental coverage to all vets with at least a 10% service-connected rating.

VA CLAIMS IT IS REACHING OUT TO WOMEN VETERANS (03-28-08)   But, what do you say, women veterans? Is this really the case?

GOOGLE & MICROSOFT TO HOOK UP WITH GOVERNMENT FOR NATIONAL HEALTH RECORDS NET (03-28-08)   VA, DoD and other agencies to work with information giants on National Health Information Network.

PHILANTHROPIST STARTS VETERANS' EDUCATION FUND, LOBBIES FOR NEW G.I. BILL (03-27-08)   Billionaire Jerome Kohlberg, a WWII vet who used the old G.I. Bill, says a new G.I. Bill will repay taxpayers five to 10 times over.

VA REPORT: VETERANS STRUGGLE TO JOIN WORK FORCE (03-26-08)   "The federal government might consider reevaluating or refining how it serves...these returning young service members to ensure a successful transition process."

AFGE CALLS FOR OUSTER OF VBA'S REGIONAL DIRECTOR IN COLUMBIA, SC (03-25-08)   Union challenges VA to remove Carl Hawkins, Jr. amid allegations of sexual harassment, age discrimination and racial discrimination.

UPDATE - VIDEO: VETS' FAMILIES TALK ABOUT SUICIDE, SOLDIERS WERE "ABANDONED, DISPOSABLE" (03-24-08)   Talking with the families of five soldiers who, allegedly suffering from PTSD, took their own lives.

A SINGLE TREATMENT FOR PTSD? (03-24-08)   Larry Scott, founder of VA Watchdog dot Org, contends that the IOM report furthers the VA's real intention: to curtail spiraling disability benefits by narrowing the diagnosis and treatment of PTSD.

VIDEO: SUICIDES RISE AMONG VETERANS UNDER VA CARE (03-21-08)   From CBS Evening News with Katie Couric, Thursday, March 20, 2008.

NATIONAL HEALTH INFORMATION EXCHANGE CLOSER TO REALITY (03-21-08)   VA, DoD, Social Security, other agencies and private providers will be sharing patient information.

FEMALE VETERANS REPORT MORE SEXUAL AND MENTAL TRAUMA (03-20-08)   "I just know it took a big toll on me because I was trying to deal with it myself. Just trying to be a soldier."

VA HOSPITALS CHANGING IN THE FACE OF THE FIVE-YEAR-OLD WAR IN IRAQ (03-20-08)   "...It's putting strains on the system. We're seeing increasing numbers of veterans that will revolutionize the VA over the next few years."

GENES HELP EXPLAIN PTSD PUZZLE (03-19-08)   Experts say the study is important and that similar advances could lead to tests that will help identify who's most at risk.

PENTAGON OFFICIAL: DoD DELAYED BRAIN INJURY SCANS FOR MORE THAN TWO YEARS (03-18-08)   Officials feared veterans would blame vague ailments on the little-understood wound caused by exposure to bomb blasts. Pentagon wanted to avoid another controversy like Gulf War syndrome.

VA CLOSER TO DEPLOYING COMPREHENSIVE e-BENEFITS WEB SITE (03-18-08)   The new version of the e-Benefits portal will present both healthcare and benefits information.

WHY DID THE VA DESTROY SOME OF THE WORLD'S MOST IMPORTANT BACTERIA CULTURES? (03-18-08)   Infectious disease researchers are calling it an act of vandalism. Legionnaire's cultures, and others, destroyed in "vindictive act."

STIGMA KEEPS MANY NEW VETS FROM SEEKING MENTAL HEALTH CARE (03-17-08)   So, S.F. VA sets up a special clinic just for Iraq War veterans that combines primary care and mental health checkups in a nonjudgmental setting.

"OPEN VA'S DOORS TO MIDDLE-INCOME VETERANS" URGE DEMS ON VETS' COMMITTEES (03-16-08)   Senate Republicans are blocking legislation that would allow Priority Group 8 vets back in the VA system.

HOUSE AND SENATE PASS 2009 BUDGET RESOLUTIONS WITH SUBSTANTIAL INCREASES FOR VA (03-15-08)   Filner and Akaka pleased with VA budget progress. Resolutions will be blueprints for appropriations bill.

VA RESEARCH GOES INTO SPACE ABOARD SHUTTLE (03-14-08)   The research will be used by VA investigators and other researchers to develop a Salmonella vaccine with the potential to save lives.

TAX REBATES FOR VETERANS AND FAMILIES (03-13-08)   How it works and how to get yours. And, answers to questions from the IRS mythbuster.

BOB FILNER JOINS PARADE TO PRIVATIZE VA HEALTHCARE (03-12-08)   House Vets' Chair echoes Steve Buyer and Larry Craig. Calls for "VA card" that can be used at private providers.

JIM STRICKLAND: VA DISABILITY SECRETS REVEALED - BACK TO THE BASICS (03-12-08)   "I believe filing your own claim is the best method of all because nobody cares about your claim as much as you."

GULF WAR ILLNESS STRONGLY LINKED TO CHEMICAL EXPOSURE (03-11-08)   The class of chemicals, known as acetylcholinesterase inhibitors, or AChEIs, are found in pesticides, nerve agents and in pills given to soldiers to protect against nerve agents.

RUMOR CONTROL: IRS WILL NOT TAX VA DISABILITY INCOME (03-11-08)   Disregard reports that claim the IRS will tax a veteran's benefits if they file for a tax rebate.

RED TAPE BLOCKS RETURNING VETERANS' CARE (03-10-08)   "It was very frustrating. We were just getting the run around."

VA RELEASES 2008 EDITION OF THE "BENEFITS BIBLE" (03-08-08)   2008 edition of Federal Benefits for Veterans and Dependents now available for free download.

AKAKA AND SERVICE ORGS REJECT TWO-TIERED DISABILITY SYSTEM (03-07-08)   Senate Vets' Chair: "A two-tiered compensation system could pit veterans of our recent conflicts against those of different eras, which is clearly unacceptable."

CARE FOR INJURED VETERANS RAISES QUESTIONS (03-07-08)   "The Pentagon keeps two sets of books" on injured GIs, and the VA "will not request enough resources to care for the troops, and in fact this is precisely what has happened in the past three years."

VA ESTIMATES FEWER HOMELESS VETERANS (03-07-08)   The estimate was reached by reviewing health utilization data among veterans and counts and surveys conducted by local communities.

A NEW PUSH TO HELP FAMILIES OF VETERANS (03-05-08)   Recognition is growing in the military that soldiers' injuries put extra hardships on immediate family members.

UPDATE: JUDGE CALLS HEARING TO PONDER ORDERING VA TO IMPROVE HEALTHCARE (03-04-08)   "The VA has repeatedly failed to implement programs. Mental health funding is not being spent on mental health."

VETERANS RETURNING FROM WARS FIND VA UNDER STRESS (03-04-08)   "Within the next three to five years, the flood of vets seeking help is probably going to overwhelm the VA."

ANTHRAX RULING TO BE APPEALED (03-02-08)   Judge dismisses suit against Pentagon's vaccination policy.

UPDATE: VIETNAMESE AGENT ORANGE VICTIMS WILL APPEAL TO U.S. SUPREME COURT (03-01-08)   "This is a judgment that is unreasonable, biased, unjust and unsuitable..."

VA UNDERSECRETARY COOPER TO STEP DOWN (02-29-08)   Daniel Cooper, beleaguered head of the Veterans' Benefits Administration, to leave VA April 1.

GAO SAYS DoD AND VA NEED TO IMPROVE EFFORTS TO IDENTIFY AND NOTIFY THOSE EXPOSED DURING CHEMICAL AND BIOLOGICAL TESTS (02-29-08)   Since 2003, DoD has stopped actively searching for individuals who were potentially exposed to chemical or biological substances during Project 112 and other tests.

BUYER AND BURR SEEK TO RADICALLY CHANGE VA DISABILITY COMPENSATION SYSTEM (02-29-08)   Would have the VA "determine appropriate amounts of compensation under a new, modern disability compensation rating schedule."

DEMS SAY VA DISABILITY RATING SYSTEM IN NEED OF COMPREHENSIVE AND IMMEDIATE REPAIR (02-28-08)   And, GAO testimony shows new VA / DoD joint disability evaluation pilot program can't measure timeliness or accuracy of decisions.

VA ANNOUNCES FIVE YEARS OF HEALTHCARE FOR COMBAT VETERANS (02-27-08)   Military veterans who served in combat since Nov. 11, 1998, including veterans of Iraq and Afghanistan, are now eligible for five years of free medical care.

THINK-TANKER SATEL PUSHES "TREATMENT FIRST" LEGISLATION FOR PTSD VETS (02-27-08)   "Treatment First Act" would urge vets with mental health issues not to file for VA disability but seek treatment instead.

UPDATE: VIETNAM REJECTS U.S. COURT VERDICT ON VICTIMS OF AGENT ORANGE (02-26-08)   "The demands of Vietnamese Agent Orange victims are completely legitimate."

THOUSANDS OF VETS LOSE VA BENEFITS BECAUSE OF DISCHARGE PAPERWORK ERRORS (02-25-08)    Many errors are caused by civilian contractors handling discharges, but DoD says it's the vet's responsibility to see that DD-214 is correct.

VETERANS TARGET OF "CANCEL YOUR CREDIT CARD DEBT" SCAM (02-24-08)   Scammers promise "no more credit card debt" but only out to steal personal information.

APPEALS COURT SAYS "NO" TO VETS AND FAMILIES, UPHOLDS DISMISSAL OF AGENT ORANGE LAWSUITS (02-23-08)   Also throws out herbicide case brought by Vietnamese people saying AO was not a weapon.

OREGON STOPS FINANCIAL PLANNER WHO WAS SCAMMING AGING VETERANS (02-22-08)   Attorney General reaches agreement with financial advisor for illegally advising elderly vets and widows in nursing homes for a fee.

UPDATE: VA'S NEW PTSD POLICY APPLIES ONLY TO THOSE DIAGNOSED WHILE ON ACTIVE DUTY (02-20-08)   VA agrees that veterans who are diagnosed with PTSD while on active duty should be recognized as having PTSD for VA purposes.

PUBLISHED REPORT: PTSD VICTIMS WILL NO LONGER NEED TO PROVE TRAUMA TO VA (02-19-08)   New policy would accept a medical examination and diagnosis of PTSD with no further proof needed.

VA RESEARCHERS USE EMBRYONIC STEM CELLS TO DEVELOP FUNCTIONING IMMUNE SYSTEM BLOOD CELLS (02-19-08)   This is an important step in eventually using embryonic stem cells as an alternative source of cells for traditional bone marrow transplantations.

"INSIDE THE VIETNAM WAR" COMES TO THE NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC CHANNEL (02-17-08)   First airing of the three-hour high-def special is Monday, February 18 at 8pm ET/PT.

LIBERTY TAX SERVICE FILES FREE "REBATE" RETURNS FOR DISABLED VETS WHO HAVE NO TAX LIABILITY (02-16-08)   "Liberty Tax Service wants to help people who do not normally have to file a return get the rebate they are entitled to receive."

VETERANS ORGANIZATIONS CALL FOR LUNG CANCER SCREENING (02-16-08)   Advanced CT technology that can diagnose lung cancer at its earliest most curable stage is available right now, and high risk veterans should be benefiting from this.

MILITARY WIDOWS WIN RIGHT TO SUE FOR SURVIVOR PAY (02-15-08)   "He had had a life in the Army of wars after wars where I was left alone with my two boys for month and month. So I felt like I was eligible..."

UPDATE: IRS TELLS DISABLED VETS AND SSers HOW TO FILE FOR TAX REBATE (02-14-08)   Must file a 2007 return and report their benefits on Line 14a of Form 1040A or Line 20a of Form 1040.

VET CHALLENGES VA'S "EXTRAORDINARY AWARDS" REVIEW PROCESS (02-14-08)   VA review has overturned nearly 20% of large awards. Legal challenge says VA's "review scheme is punitive, discriminatory, confiscatory and contrary to the veterans' benefits system established by Congress."

VIDEO: DAV VIDEO TAKES ON WHITE HOUSE'S NEW VA BUDGET (02-13-08)   "How long do you think the brave are going to fight for this country, if they know the trust between our government and our soldiers is lost?"

VETS' ATTORNEYS OFFER FIXES FOR VA'S CLAIMS BACKLOG CRISIS (02-13-08)   National Organization of Veterans' Advocates to present Congress with viable solutions to end claims backlog. Will anyone listen?

UPDATE: DISABLED VETS AND SSers WILL HAVE TO FILE RETURN TO GET TAX REBATE (02-12-08)   IRS will require a "simple" tax return, but they don't have all the details worked out yet.

AUSTIN VA RESEARCHER ALLEGES MISMANAGEMENT OF TBI PROGRAM (02-12-08)   Dr. Robert Van Boven says superiors have hindered research into traumatic brain injury and are responsible for "gross mismanagement, waste and possible fraud."

McCAIN PROMISE WOULD DISMANTLE VA AND PRIVATIZE VETERANS' HEALTHCARE (02-11-08)   "I'm going to get every one of our veterans a plastic card to take to their doctor or healthcare provider to get the care they need."

NO FUNDS IN BUSH BUDGET FOR TROOPS' BENEFITS PLAN (02-10-08)   Some critics in Congress cite the episode as a case study of what they consider the slapdash way Bush has put together the legislative program for his final year in office.

AMERICAN LEGION TRYING TO SCAM VETERANS? (02-08-08)   U.S. postal inspectors investigate whether Legion letter was a scam or a mistake.

UPDATE: MONEY BACK IN STIMULUS PACKAGE FOR DISABLED VETS AND SENIORS (02-08-08)   Senate added payments for seniors and disabled veterans to an economic stimulus package approved by the House that would send checks to most American families.

PEAKE IN DENIAL: SAYS PROPOSED 2009 VA BUDGET IS SUFFICIENT (02-08-08)   VA Secretary says White House proposal would be sufficient to meet the growing demands of veterans of a protracted Iraq war.

VFW URGES CONGRESS TO BLOCK DOLE-SHALALA COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION (02-08-08)   Says "NO" to a separate disability system that would compensate veterans with similar wounds differently based on their age.

REPUBLICANS BLOCK STIMULUS BILL THAT WOULD HAVE GIVEN MONEY TO DISABLED VETS (02-07-08)   Senate Republicans blocked a bid by Democrats to add $44 billion in help for the elderly, disabled veterans, the unemployed and businesses.

UPDATE: SENATE VETS' CHAIR DECRIES VA BUDGET CUTS (02-07-08)   Sen. Daniel Akaka: "When basic factors...are taken into account, little additional funding, if any, remains for needed increases in priority areas of health care..."

VETERANS NOT ENTITLED TO MENTAL HEALTH CARE, U.S. LAWYERS SAY (02-06-08)   Veterans have no legal right to specific types of medical care, the Bush administration argues in a lawsuit accusing the government of illegally denying mental health treatment to some troops returning from Iraq and Afghanistan.

CORRECTION TO PREVIOUS STORY ABOUT 2009 VA BUDGET (02-05-08)   This corrects some bad budget math and includes an update on inflationary pressures.

BUSH SEEKS $94 BILLION FOR 2009 VETERANS' BUDGET (02-05-08)   VA Secretary Peake: "This budget builds on VA's past successes in providing veterans with timely, accessible delivery of high-quality benefits and services earned through their sacrifice and service in defense of freedom."

FEW WILL QUALIFY FOR HARDSHIP WAIVER WITH NEW VETERANS' MILEAGE DEDUCTIBLE (02-05-08   The BIG VA has left hospitals in the dark as to what the waiver is and how to get it.

STILL TRYING TO BRING THEIR FALLEN HEROES HOME (02-04-08)   "One big concern of relatives of the World War II missing is that their families are really at the bottom of the totem pole. The focus has been overwhelmingly on recovery of M.I.A.'s from the Vietnam and Korean conflicts."

VA'S MILEAGE INCREASE FOR VETERANS A MEATLESS BONE (02-03-08)   Veterans' Advocate Jim Strickland: VA's newest temporary employee, Secretary James Peake, offends all veterans with far too little, far too late.

A VETERAN WRITES: A BAD MOOD, A SIX-PACK, AND A TYPEWRITER (02-02-08)   "I weary of seeing veterans analyzed and diagnosed and explained by people who share nothing with veterans, by people who, one feels intuitively, would regard it as a harrowing experience to be alone in a backyard."

VIDEO: MILITARY MEDICAL MISTREATMENT AND THE FERES DOCTRINE (02-01-08)   From CBS Evening News with Katie Couric, Thursday, January 31, 2008.

VA INCREASES VETS' TRAVEL REIMBURSEMENT TO 28.5 CENTS PER MILE (02-01-08)   But, increase will be diluted by jump in deductible from $6.00 to $15.54 per round trip.

GAO REPORT: VA'S BRAIN SCREENINGS FOR VETERANS MAY BE FLAWED (02-01-08)   "Until VA evaluates the TBI screening tool's validity and reliability, VA providers will continue to use the screening tool without knowing how effective the tool is in identifying which veterans are and are not at risk..."