Welcome to the Veteran’s Newsletter!

In today's edition:

• The VA Medical Center in Buffalo, NY, is under scrutiny for delays in patient care.

• Keep track of the 182 elected veterans who won congressional seats as well as those running for office.

• The VA has launched a new telehealth program to assist in improving emergency care for veterans.

• The VA has implemented new regulations to expand eligibility for benefits based on the character of discharge.

• Explore how the VA is using 3-D printed radiotherapy blouses to revolutionize cancer care for veterans.

• The story of a Korean War hero.

• And more…

News of the Week

📰 Top Veteran Stories

Buffalo VA Medical Center Under Scrutiny for Patient Care Delays Following Inspector General Report

The VA's top health official, Dr. Shereef Elnahal, visited the Buffalo VA Medical Center following a report that identified significant delays in patient care due to administrative shortcomings. The report from the VA Inspector General found that local administrators failed to address prolonged scheduling delays, with some veterans waiting up to 285 days for appointments. These delays affected the clinical conditions of several veterans, including one who died waiting for radiation therapy.

In response to these findings, the VA has made leadership changes, reassigning critical figures in the Buffalo system and appointing an interim medical center director. Both Rep. Tim Kennedy and Rep. Nick Langworthy expressed confidence in the VA’s efforts to improve care and emphasized the need for continued oversight.

The report examined 42 cases, revealing that delays in referring veterans to external providers negatively impacted their health in nine instances. The VA's community care department, responsible for scheduling these appointments, struggled with backlogs, causing significant delays—veterans with severe conditions such as cancer and seizures experienced worsened outcomes due to the lapses.

Despite improvements and new leadership, concerns about the VA's ability to provide timely care remain. Veterans advocates like Patrick Welch continue to call for accountability and better systems to ensure veterans receive the care they need without unnecessary delays.

182 Military Veterans Win 2024 Primaries for Congressional Seats

According to an analysis by Military Times, in 2024, 182 candidates with military backgrounds won their primaries for House and Senate seats. This decreased from 196 in 2022 and continues a long-term trend of fewer veterans in national office since the late 1970s.

The 2024 group includes 71 incumbents, 16 women, and 55 candidates who began military service after January 2000. Of these candidates, 53 are Democrats and 124 are Republicans. The Military Times will track these candidates throughout the election and monitor the winners as they take seats in the 119th Congress next year.

VA Launches Telehealth Emergency Care Program to Improve Access for Veterans

The VA is introducing a nationwide telehealth emergency care program to provide quicker medical assessments for veterans. This initiative connects veterans with VA triage nurses via phone, offering immediate video evaluations and guidance for managing minor injuries or illnesses at home. 

The program, which follows a successful pilot involving over 61,000 veterans, is designed to reduce the number of veterans seeking emergency care at non-VA facilities. Currently, over a third of veterans receive care at non-VA centers, costing the VA more than $6 billion annually.

The telehealth program offers veterans an alternative to urgent care centers by providing quick access to a triage nurse, follow-up appointments, or even emergency services if necessary. However, some veterans, like Marine Corps veteran David Seward, expressed concerns about whether the program could delay urgent in-person treatment of severe injuries.

As the VA faces staffing shortages, budget constraints, and increasing community care costs projected to rise by over 13% in 2025, lawmakers are considering solutions to address the agency's $12 billion budget shortfall. The VA hopes the telehealth program will ease demand on non-VA facilities and offer veterans a more convenient option for emergency care.

📜 VBA Updates

The VA Implements New Regulation to Expand Eligibility for Benefits Based on Character of Discharge

The VA has introduced a new regulation regarding the character of discharge determinations, allowing more former service members to qualify for VA benefits, regardless of their discharge type. While the VA cannot change a service member's discharge status from the Department of Defense, it can now determine eligibility for VA benefits for individuals with dishonorable discharges. This new rule expands access to benefits by eliminating certain regulatory bars, such as those for homosexual acts with aggravating circumstances, and defining the criteria for willful misconduct and AWOL cases.

The changes make the character of the discharge process more objective and consistent, allowing more former service members to receive VA benefits based on honorable service for VA purposes. Retired service members with unfavorable discharges are encouraged to apply for benefits or request a review of previous denials under the updated guidance.

To apply, former service members can submit claims directly or work with a VA-accredited representative. The VA advises against paying for assistance and reminds veterans to verify credentials before filing claims. For more information, visit the VA's Character of Discharge webpage or contact the VA directly.

⚕️ Veterans Health Administration (VHA) Updates

VA's Use of 3D-Printed Radiotherapy Boluses Revolutionizes Cancer Care for Veterans

The VA is advancing cancer treatment for Veterans by utilizing 3D-printing technology to create patient-specific radiotherapy boluses (RTB). These personalized, FDA-cleared devices are designed based on a patient’s CT scan, allowing precise radiation targeting that minimizes damage to healthy tissue. Developed through a collaboration between the VA’s Office of Advanced Manufacturing (OAM), VA radiation oncology clinicians, and external partner 3D Systems, the RTBs have significantly improved outcomes for Veterans undergoing radiation therapy. 

Since April 2023, 21 personalized boluses have been successfully used, demonstrating superior fit and performance. The VA’s 41 radiation oncology sites, many of which already offer RTB access, plan to expand further, ensuring timely and effective cancer care for Veterans.

Veteran App of the Week

My Military OneSource

The My Military OneSource app is designed to help service members, veterans, and their families access various military support services. It provides resources on mental health, financial management, relocation, and education.

The app is helpful for military families. It offers easy access to counseling, support services, and answers to common questions about military life. It also features appointment tracking and lets users connect with Military OneSource consultants for personalized assistance.

Military Deals of the Week

*We do not explicitly endorse any of these companies as we have not personally purchased from many of them. We are simply sharing online deals that we have found for your convenience.

• 15% Off: KIND

• 25% Off: Greenleaf Luxury Bedding

• 20% Off: American Bench Craft

Meme of the Week

Hero of the Week: Duane E. Dewey

Duane E. Dewey was born on Nov. 16, 1931, in Grand Rapids, MI. He attended school in Muskegon until 1947. Afterward, he spent six months working on a farm in South Haven and later worked as a foundry worker for National Motor Casting. His background in hard labor helped shape his strong work ethic and resilience, traits that would define his military career.

On March 7, 1951, Dewey enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve for an indefinite term, committing to serve throughout the duration of the Korean War. He completed his training at Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island, South Carolina, followed by intensive combat training at Camp Pendleton, CA. 

Dewey was deployed to Korea in September 1951, where he participated in the United Nations summer-fall offensive of that year and endured the harsh winter conditions during the Korean conflict.

His heroism became legendary on April 16, 1952, near Panmunjom, while leading a machine gun squad during a fierce enemy attack. Despite being wounded by a grenade that exploded at his feet, Dewey continued to fight. 

As he was receiving medical care from a Navy corpsman, another grenade landed beside them. In a split-second decision, Dewey pulled the corpsman down and threw himself on the grenade, shouting, "Doc, I got it in my hip pocket!" The grenade exploded, causing severe injuries to Dewey, but his selfless act saved the lives of his comrades.

Following the incident, Dewey was treated for his injuries at several hospitals, including in Yokosuka, Japan, and later in the U.S. at Mare Island, California, and Great Lakes, Illinois. For his actions, he was awarded the Medal of Honor by then-President Dwight D. Eisenhower on March 12, 1953, becoming the first person to receive the award from Eisenhower. The President famously remarked, "You must have a body of steel."

After being discharged from active duty in 1952, Dewey continued to live a quiet but fulfilling life, embracing his role as a national hero.

He returned to Michigan, where he worked as a foreman at a local manufacturing plant. Throughout his life, Dewey remained dedicated to his fellow veterans, frequently attending reunions and events honoring military service members.

Despite his fame, Dewey avoided the spotlight, living humbly with his family in Florida. He participated in veterans' events and occasionally made public appearances, including ceremonies related to his Medal of Honor. 

He was known for his humility and dedication to helping veterans, embodying the spirit of service even after his military career. Dewey passed away on Oct. 11, 2021, at 89, and was buried with full military honors at the Florida National Cemetery in Bushnell, FL, leaving behind a legacy of valor and selflessness.

Businesses That Support Veterans

Warrior Canine Connection

Warrior Canine Connection is a nonprofit organization that helps veterans cope with PTSD and traumatic brain injuries by engaging them in the therapeutic training of service dogs.

Founded with a mission to use canine-assisted therapy, Warrior Canine Connection focuses on providing veterans with a sense of purpose and emotional healing. Veterans train service dogs for fellow veterans, helping both the trainer and recipient. The organization’s programs lead to lasting impacts, offering therapeutic benefits while creating service dogs for those in need.

By focusing on mental health and emotional well-being, Warrior Canine Connection helps veterans reintegrate into civilian life with the support of these specially-trained dogs.

Thank You For Your Service!

Not every service member may receive the Medal of Honor or garner widespread recognition, but that doesn't diminish the invaluable contributions each one has made to the sanctity and security of our great nation. 

The saying "freedom isn't free" holds profound truth–it resonates because every individual in the United States relies on the dedication of its military to safeguard the freedoms they enjoy. Each veteran has consciously defended these liberties, symbolizing a collective commitment to the nation's well-being. 

Whether you fought on the front lines or provided crucial support behind the scenes, thank you!

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Until Next Time!

Stay tuned for next week’s edition, where we’ll cover more stories and policy updates and find tools & deals for the veteran community.

Thanks,

The Veterans Newsletter