Welcome to the Veteran’s Newsletter!

In today's edition:

• Veterans are rallying for full access to retirement pay and disability benefits.

• A federal judge ruled that the VA discriminates against disabled vets in housing eligibility.

• The latest GAO report highlights the need for enhanced mental health support for transitioning soldiers.

• VA resources for severe weather.

• Info on the VA’s foreign medical program.

• And more…

News of the Week

📰 Top Veteran Stories

Veterans Rally for Full Access to Retirement Pay and Disability Benefits

Veterans with combat-related injuries gathered near the U.S. Capitol to urge lawmakers to support the Major Richard Star Act, a proposal aimed at allowing all veterans full access to military retirement pay and VA disability benefits. Despite broad bipartisan support, the proposal has been stalled for years, frustrating veterans who lose thousands of dollars in benefits.

Ryan Kules, an Army veteran who lost his right arm and left leg in Iraq, shared his struggles of having to work immediately after medically retiring to support his growing family. Kules, now with the Wounded Warrior Project, spoke at a news conference organized by veterans groups to push for the bill's inclusion in the Senate's annual defense policy bill.

Currently, veterans with less than 20 years of service and a disability rating under 50% have their retirement pay reduced by the amount they receive in disability benefits. This affects about 50,000 retirees, with an average offset of $1,900 per month in 2022. The Major Richard Star Act aims to remove these restrictions, allowing full benefits for all retirees with combat-related disabilities.

The bill is named after an Iraq and Afghanistan veteran who retired before 20 years of service due to lung cancer from burn pit exposure. He passed away in 2021. The bill has over 300 co-sponsors in the House and more than 70 in the Senate but remains stalled due to concerns over increased mandatory spending.

Senate Veterans Affairs Committee Chairman Jon Tester criticized the spending debate as an excuse for inaction, emphasizing the need to support veterans who have borne the costs of war. He and Sen. Mike Crapo plan to introduce the measure as an amendment to the National Defense Authorization Act. Veterans argue it is long overdue for Congress to act, stressing the hardships faced by the 53,000 veterans who would benefit from this bill.

Federal Judge Rules VA Discriminates Against Disabled Veterans in Housing Eligibility

A federal judge has ruled that the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) discriminates against disabled veterans by outsourcing construction on its West Los Angeles campus, making some ineligible for housing due to high incomes. The developers rely on tax credit financing with income eligibility requirements, and veterans' disability compensation counts as income, excluding those most in need. U.S. District Judge David O. Carter stated that this practice discriminates based on disabilities and called for further evidence to determine a remedy.

Mark Rosenbaum, the plaintiffs’ lead attorney, emphasized the national significance of the VA's use of similar practices across the country. Carter's ruling also reaffirmed that the VA has fiduciary duties to veterans under the 1888 deed transferring the property to the federal government. The case, set for trial in August, includes demands for thousands of additional housing units and allegations that the VA illegally leased parts of the campus for non-veteran activities.

Plaintiffs, including 100% disabled veteran Deavin Sessom, provided evidence that their disability incomes exceed the limits set by funding sources, preventing them from accessing housing. Judge Carter highlighted the injustice, noting that higher disability benefits reduce housing eligibility. Rosenbaum proposed three solutions: the VA could build housing, subsidize housing to avoid income limits or stop counting disability compensation as income.

The VA has argued that it lacks the authority to build housing without congressional approval. The lawsuit, a continuation of a 2015 agreement for 1,200 housing units on the campus, claims the VA has failed in its responsibilities, with only 233 units available by September 2023. Construction is ongoing, with the Veterans Collective, contracted by the VA, supporting legislation to change income policy.

In December, Carter denied the government's first motion to dismiss the case and certified it as a class action in May for all homeless, disabled veterans with serious mental illnesses or traumatic brain injuries. The plaintiffs' motion for summary judgment argued that the income rules unjustly block access for the most in need.

GAO Report: Enhancing Mental Health Support for Transitioning Service Members

Each year, thousands of service members transition to civilian life, and the Department of Defense (DOD) helps those needing mental health support through its "inTransition" program. This program automatically enrolls service members who had a mental health appointment in the year before separation. In 2022, 85% of enrollees were identified this way. However, the program delays outreach until 2-3 months after separation, a critical and vulnerable period.

Additionally, in 2022, the program failed to connect with over 70% of enrollees due to reliance on phone calls.

The Government Accountability Office (GAO) recommends expanding outreach methods to include email, text, and location services to improve connectivity and participation. GAO also suggests setting measurable performance goals to assess and enhance the program's effectiveness. The DOD-VA Joint Executive Committee, overseeing transition activities, has not thoroughly evaluated the effectiveness of these efforts, potentially missing gaps or overlaps. GAO urges the Committee to conduct such assessments to ensure access to needed mental health services for transitioning members.

GAO's five recommendations include revising inTransition's enrollment criteria, expanding outreach methods, establishing performance goals, implementing performance assessment processes, and evaluating the overall effectiveness of DOD and VA programs in facilitating mental health service access. The VA concurred with the recommendations, while the DOD has not provided formal comments.

📜 VBA Updates

VA Resources and Support for Veterans During Severe Weather and Natural Disasters

This year, severe weather, including tornadoes and flooding, has impacted millions of Americans. With an intense hurricane season expected, the VA provides numerous resources to assist Veterans and their families. The Veterans Crisis Line offers 24/7 confidential support via phone, text, chat, and for the deaf/hard of hearing. Immediate housing assistance is available through the National Call Center for Homeless Veterans. For general VA inquiries, the MyVA411 information line is accessible 24/7. 

Healthcare services can be accessed at VA facilities, with some offering mobile support in disaster areas. The VA also supports caregivers and gives resources for disaster preparedness. For benefits and compensation, the VA provides special payments, loan assistance, and aid for home repairs, among other services. The VA’s Office of Emergency Management ensures continuity of benefits and health care, emphasizing the importance of working with local VA teams for comprehensive support following natural disasters.

⚕️ Veterans Health Administration (VHA) Updates

VA's Foreign Medical Program: Health Care for Veterans Abroad

If you’re a Veteran traveling or living abroad and have a service-connected condition, the VA's Foreign Medical Program (FMP) can cover your health care services. This program reimburses you or your provider for treating your service-connected condition, including conditions that worsen due to your service-connected disability. Benefits include no need for prior authorization, the freedom to choose any provider, reimbursement for care and FDA-approved prescriptions, and document translation services.

To be eligible, you must have a VA-rated service-connected disability or a condition that worsens your service-connected disability or participate in a rehabilitation program. To register, fill out VA Form 10-7959f-1 and submit it via email, fax (303-331-7803), or mail. After registration, you'll receive a benefits authorization letter detailing the conditions that are covered.

Veteran App of the Week

VetChange

VetChange is a mobile app designed to help veterans reduce or quit drinking by offering personalized feedback, self-assessment tools, and goal-setting features. It provides strategies to cope with urges and triggers, tracks progress through charts and logs and includes educational resources on the effects of alcohol and stress management. 

Developed by the VA, VetChange connects users with additional support resources, making it a tailored and confidential tool for veterans looking to manage their alcohol use.

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: Vinyl Me, Please

• 30% Off: prAna

• 20% Off: Camp Chef

Meme of the Week

Hero of the Week: Lewis Lee Millett

Lewis Lee Millett was born in Mechanic Falls, ME on Dec. 15, 1920. He grew up in South Dartmouth, MA, after moving there with his mother following his parents' divorce and her remarriage. Millett's family had a strong military tradition: his grandfather served in the American Civil War, and his uncle fought in World War I with the 101st Field Artillery Regiment of the Massachusetts Army National Guard. 

This legacy inspired Millett to develop a strong sense of patriotism and duty from a young age. In 1938, at just 17 years old, he joined the Massachusetts National Guard, driven by his desire to serve his country.

Millett's military career is notable for its breadth and dedication. Dissatisfied with the United States' initial stance of neutrality during World War II, he deserted the US Army Air Corps to join the Canadian Army in 1941 to fight against Nazi Germany. When the US entered the war, he returned to the US Army and served with distinction in Europe, earning a Silver Star and a battlefield commission.

Millett's most notable act of heroism occurred during the Korean War. On Feb. 7, 1951, during the Battle of Hill 180 near Soam-Ni, Korea, Captain Millett led Company E of the 27th Infantry Regiment in a daring bayonet charge against a heavily fortified enemy position. 

Despite being under intense fire and suffering a severe wound, Millett's fearless leadership and personal bravery inspired his men to follow him up the hill. They overwhelmed the enemy, achieving a critical victory. For his extraordinary valor, Millett was awarded the Medal of Honor.

Following his heroic actions, Millett continued to serve with distinction. His actions during the bayonet charge demonstrated his courage and boosted the morale of American troops in Korea. Millett's leadership style was characterized by his willingness to lead from the front and his unwavering commitment to his soldiers' welfare.

After the Korean War, Millett remained in the military and later served in Vietnam. He eventually retired as a colonel in 1973, having served his country in three wars. His post-military life included working as a deputy sheriff and veterans' service officer, continuing his dedication to public service.

Lewis Lee Millett passed away on November 14, 2009, in Loma Linda, California. He was buried with full military honors at Riverside National Cemetery. Millett's legacy of bravery and leadership is a testament to his enduring commitment to his country and fellow soldiers. 

His story continues to inspire and remind us of the extraordinary acts of heroism that can arise in the most challenging circumstances.

Veteran Business of the Week

Battle Brothers Shave Co.

Battle Brothers Shaving Co. is a company founded by military veterans dedicated to producing high-quality shaving products. The company offers a range of products, including razors, brushes, and shaving creams, all designed with a focus on craftsmanship and reliability.

The mission behind Battle Brothers Shaving Co. is to honor the camaraderie and tradition of the military by providing superior shaving tools that reflect the precision and standards upheld by service members. Their product range is crafted to meet the needs of those who value quality and tradition in their grooming routines.

The company emphasizes the importance of craftsmanship and quality, ensuring that each product delivers a superior shaving experience. With a commitment to honoring military values, Battle Brothers Shaving Co. has built a strong reputation for reliability and excellence in the shaving industry.

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