Welcome to the Veteran’s Newsletter!

In today's edition:

• A new report highlights shortcomings in the Veterans Health Administration.

• A proposed study examines the impact of blast injuries on veterans’ mental health.

• A new, innovative therapy offers hope for many veterans struggling with PTSD.

• The VA is expanding fertility services to help build families.

• The VA is taking proposals for updates to its caregiver support program and wants your feedback.

• The story of a Vietnam War hero.

• And more…

News of the Week

📰 Top Veteran Stories

GAO Report Highlights Oversight Shortcomings in Veterans Health Administration

The Government Accountability Office (GAO) has released a report criticizing the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) for ongoing weaknesses in its oversight offices. These offices are crucial for managing risks, conducting audits, and investigating medical issues across the VHA's healthcare system, which serves 9 million veterans. While the VHA has made notable improvements over the past decade, including reducing the number of GAO recommendations from over 100 in 2015 to just four in 2024, significant gaps remain. 

Key concerns include the failure of the Committee for Audit, Risk, and Compliance to provide systemwide improvement recommendations, the Office of Integrity and Compliance's lack of adherence to leading risk management practices, and the Office of Internal Audit's struggles with unclear roles and reporting structures. Although the VHA reorganized in 2024 to streamline responsibilities, the GAO emphasized the need for a comprehensive workforce plan to address these challenges. The VA has committed to addressing these issues, with three recommendations for completion by 2025 and a final risk management framework to be implemented by 2027.

Proposed Study to Examine Impact of Blast Injuries on Veterans' Mental Health

A new legislative proposal, the Precision Brain Health Research Act, introduced by Senators Jerry Moran and Angus King, aims to address the mental health effects of repetitive low-level blast injuries on veterans and service members. The bill calls for a 10-year study by federal researchers to investigate the link between blast exposures—common in training and combat—and conditions such as memory loss, depression, insomnia, and suicide.

Blast injuries occur when high-pressure waves from explosions damage sensitive organs like the brain. Past studies have highlighted significant injuries among personnel using heavy weaponry, such as mortars, with symptoms impacting their mental and cognitive health. The Department of Defense recently implemented new measures to mitigate blast overpressure injuries, including enhanced safety protocols and cognitive assessments.

If passed, the legislation would require the Department of Veterans Affairs to analyze data from veterans to identify patterns and trends related to these injuries. This research could inform future protective measures and support efforts to safeguard the well-being of military personnel. Although the bill is unlikely to pass this year, it may form the foundation for future reforms when Moran assumes leadership of the Senate Veterans Affairs Committee.

Innovative Therapy Offers Hope for Veterans Battling PTSD

Dehp Integrative Care, established 10 years ago in Arizona, has developed a unique therapy called deep integrative treatments (dIT) to help veterans and others manage PTSD and related conditions. The treatment balances the body’s sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems without medication. Founder Josette Sullins and her team report an impressive 82% success rate within an average of 38.8 days and 5.6 sessions, significantly outperforming traditional treatments.

Dehp has helped veterans like Navy veteran Douglas Campbell, who struggled with PTSD, addiction, and personal setbacks before experiencing life-changing results through dIT therapy. Campbell has been sober for 2.5 years and now works at Dehp, helping others.

Despite setbacks, including losing a $450,000 grant due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Dehp continues to expand its reach. Starting in 2025, the clinic will train licensed clinicians in dIT therapy to broaden access. Alongside veterans, Dehp also supports first responders and individuals with substance abuse issues, aiming to secure more funding to meet growing demand. The clinic’s mission is to prevent suicide and provide holistic care to those in need.

📜 VBA Updates

VA Expands Fertility Services to Support Veterans Building Families

The VA is dedicated to supporting Veterans on their journey to parenthood by offering various family-building services. Veterans can access fertility evaluations, in vitro fertilization (IVF) treatments, and adoption reimbursement benefits. Fertility services include medical exams, lab tests, genetic counseling, hormone therapy, and surgeries. For those needing assisted reproductive technology (ART), the VA provides options such as IVF, which involves fertilizing eggs outside the body and implanting embryos for pregnancy or future use.

Eligibility for these services has been expanded to include all Veterans using VA health care, regardless of service connection, sexual orientation, gender, relationship, or marital status. Veterans whose service-connected disabilities caused infertility may also access ART/IVF benefits, including unmarried Veterans and those in same-sex marriages. Additionally, eligible Veterans can receive adoption reimbursements of up to $2,000 per child, with a yearly maximum of $5,000 for multiple adoptions.

To get started, Veterans can speak with their VA primary care provider for a referral to a fertility specialist. The VA also provides personalized support, including maternity care coordination, mental health care, and benefit options in housing and education. For more information, visit the VA Women’s Health Fertility Services webpage or contact the Women Veterans Call Center.

⚕️ Veterans Health Administration (VHA) Updates

Proposed Updates to VA’s Caregiver Support Program: Share Your Feedback

The VA has proposed updates to the Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers (PCAFC) to expand access and provide better support for Veterans and their caregivers. Key changes include broadening the definition of serious injury to increase eligibility, offering telehealth home visits during emergencies, extending delays in eligibility reassessment discharges for legacy participants by 18 months, reducing the frequency of reassessments to lessen the burden on families, and clarifying criteria for determining the need for personal care services. 

These updates still need to be in effect, and the VA encourages Veterans, caregivers, and stakeholders to participate in a 60-day public comment period to share feedback and shape the final rule. The Caregiver Support Program continues to offer vital resources and services to enhance caregiver well-being, with more information available through local CSP teams and the VA’s website.

Veteran App of the Week

CBT-i Coach

The CBT-I Coach app, developed by the VA and DoD, is a free mobile tool designed to help individuals improve their sleep using Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia (CBT-I) techniques. It serves as both a companion for those undergoing CBT-I treatment with a provider and a self-help resource for managing insomnia. The app educates users about sleep and insomnia, offers tools for tracking sleep habits through a sleep diary, and provides strategies to establish healthier sleep patterns.

Key features include relaxation exercises, mindfulness tools, and strategies for challenging negative thoughts about sleep. Users can set personalized sleep goals, monitor progress, and receive tailored feedback. The app is particularly beneficial for veterans and service members but is available to anyone seeking evidence-based solutions to improve sleep. It is accessible for free on both iOS and Android devices.

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.

• 30% Off: Stanley

• 20% Off: On Running

• 10% Off: Sony

Meme of the Week

Hero of the Week: Joe Ronnie Hooper

Joe Ronnie Hooper, born on Aug. 8, 1938, in Piedmont, SC, grew up in a modest, hardworking family that instilled in him the values of resilience and determination. Raised primarily in Moses Lake, WA, Hooper demonstrated an early aptitude for leadership and a drive to succeed despite limited means. These qualities would later shape his distinguished military career.

Hooper initially enlisted in the U.S. Navy in December 1956, serving four years before being honorably discharged in 1960. He then returned to civilian life but felt a pull to return to military service, particularly during the escalation of the Vietnam War. In 1966, he enlisted in the U.S. Army, driven by a deep sense of patriotism and a desire to serve his country during a time of need. His decision would lead to a storied career marked by incredible bravery.

During the Vietnam War, Staff Sergeant Hooper served with the 101st Airborne Division, where his actions during the Battle of Huế on Feb. 21, 1968, during the Tet Offensive, earned him a place in history. His unit was tasked with clearing heavily fortified enemy positions. Despite sustaining multiple injuries, Hooper displayed exceptional bravery and tactical skill. Armed with grenades and his rifle, he charged enemy bunkers under intense fire, single-handedly destroying various enemy positions and killing dozens of enemy soldiers.

In one instance, Hooper led his unit through a hail of bullets to capture a strategic position, then charged another bunker, neutralizing it with a grenade. Over several hours, he took out multiple machine gun nests, eliminated enemy combatants in hand-to-hand combat, and continued leading his men despite his wounds. His actions inspired those around him and were instrumental in achieving the mission. For his heroism, Hooper was awarded the Medal of Honor, the nation’s highest military decoration, along with numerous other awards, including the Silver Star and Bronze Star.

After the war, Hooper faced challenges transitioning back to civilian life. He briefly worked in recruiting and as an Army liaison but struggled with the psychological and emotional toll of his combat experiences. Despite these difficulties, he remained a staunch advocate for veterans, often speaking about the importance of recognizing their sacrifices. His life after the military was marked by a desire to continue serving his fellow soldiers, albeit in a different capacity.

Joe Ronnie Hooper passed away on May 6, 1979, in Louisville, KY, at the age of 40. Despite his untimely death, his legacy endures as one of the most decorated soldiers in American history. Hooper's life exemplifies the highest ideals of courage, sacrifice, and service, from his extraordinary bravery on the battlefield to his dedication to fellow veterans.

Businesses That Support Veterans

Roots for Boots

Roots for Boots, founded by Christy Lucas, is a grassroots organization dedicated to helping veterans and their families by mobilizing community support to address specific needs. Based in New Oxford, PA, Roots for Boots focuses on empowering veterans through practical assistance, fostering a strong sense of community involvement, and offering resources that improve their quality of life.

The organization provides various services, including home repairs, adaptive equipment for disabled veterans, financial assistance, and mentorship. Roots for Boots emphasizes collaboration with local businesses, schools, and individuals to create meaningful connections between veterans and their communities. 

By addressing challenges such as mobility issues and financial hardship, Roots for Boots ensures that veterans and their families receive the support they deserve while encouraging civic engagement and volunteerism.

Thank You For Your Service!

To every veteran reading this—your service, dedication, and sacrifices for this nation are immeasurable. You’ve taken on responsibilities that many will never truly understand, ensuring that communities enjoy the freedoms and security that are too often taken for granted.

Whether you stood on the front lines, served in the skies or seas, or provided critical support behind the scenes, you are the backbone of this nation’s strength. Your resilience, courage, and unwavering dedication are inspiring, and your contributions will never be forgotten.

Your service has improved this country, and your sacrifices have left a lasting impact. You deserve all the gratitude in the world for the incredible difference you’ve made.

Thank you for all you have done and continue to do!

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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