By Matt Scherer For veterans who lived in communities where Hurricane Beryl impacted their livelihood, the VA this week has announced several temporary policy changes that can impact their support programs provided to veterans and their families. Provided below are some informational resources shared in an email message sent to the MilTRAC team about policies concerning those impacted by the…
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…
In the United States, an estimated 21.2% of adults have arthritis. That’s more than 53 million Americans. Arthritis refers to any disorder that affects the joints—with the most common types being osteoarthritis, gout and rheumatoid arthritis. Primary care providers may refer Veterans with arthritis to a rheumatologist, a specialist who treats arthritis and other autoimmune conditions. Due to a…
By Matt Scherer Military members facing a future departure from active duty should understand how well-documented medical records will help in their future VA claims. Even if you are not ready for retirement or a separation, things can change. Medical conditions can occur where the military wants a veteran to work with a medical evaluation board for an unplanned…
Retired Army sergeant Ed Richards experienced firsthand the psychological impact of the Bosnian Conflict helping to find the bodies from the Srebrenica Massacre. In 1995, Bosnian Serb forces under Ratko Mladic, systematically executed 8000 Bosniak men and boys after capturing the UN-designated area of this community. Some UN officials consider it the worst European massacre since World War II. While…
Can military veterans get a DD Form 214 discharge upgrade or correction for other than honorable conditions? if mental health conditions including posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) or Traumatic Brain Injury have been diagnosed after a veteran’s departure from military service, veterans can appeal their discharge status. Discharge upgrades can also be given for those who had sexual assault or harassment…
“Veterans: Please, for the love of all things holy, do NOT pay for a copy of your DD214!” With this comment, a recent Courtney Steffen LinkedIn post caught our attention this week. That made us want to know more about why retirees were paying for this form. So, we made a call to Courtney, a veteran services officer in South…
Before moving to Florida to assist her elderly relative, Laura Vangilder evaluated claims for the Combat-Related Special compensation for injured veterans. Today, Vanglider helps veterans understand how to apply for this not-well-publicized program. Now a registered life insurance sales broker, Vanglider helps more than 20 veterans per week evaluate possible claims. “Many factors go into a Combat-Related Special Compensation (CRSC)…
On Sept. 20, 2011, the Department of Defense announced the repeal of the “don’t ask, don’t tell” policy, which prohibited military personnel from discriminating against or harassing non-heterosexual service members who did not reveal their sexual orientation while barring openly LGBTQ+ individuals from military service. To mark the 12th anniversary of the repeal, the Defense Department declared that it is…
We know it can be difficult for anyone to think about their own death. However at the Defense Finance Accounting Service, we also know you want to prepare and take care of your loved ones. The team at DFAS has a special page on our website that outlines the options for reporting the death of a retiree. The webpage also…
You must be logged in to post a comment.